engleski

CD31 overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in multiple myeloma

Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM) belongs to the immunoglobulin supergene family, carries designation CD31 and can form both homophilic and heterophilic interactions with CD38 ligand. Although known biological function in vitro (for example in blocking endothelial cell and leukocyte binding) the full significance of CD31 molecule is unknown and its function in vivo has yet to be demonstrated. As multiple myeloma (MM) is characterised by progressive accumulation and proliferation of CD38+ plasma cells, our intent was to clarify the possible relationship between abnormal plasma subpopulations phenotype, clinical data and therapy outcome. Study population consisted of 45 consecutive MM (28 males, 17 females of mean age 62&plusmn ; 12). Bone marrow (BM) cells were stained with CD31 (Dako) and CD38 (Becton Dickinson) mAbs and analysed by flow cytometric analysis. Typically we analysed 50 000 events using large gate on lymphocytes. We observed that CD31+CD38+ subpopulation increase was related to severity of disease. There was a correlation between the elevated percentage of CD31+CD38+ cells and more severe bone disease (p<0.05), high Bence Jones proteins (p<0.05) and serum calcium levels (p<0.05). We failed to detect any correlation between expression of CD38 and clinical data. Despite these apparently negative findings for CD38, a possible relevant role of CD31 was noted. An increase of CD31+ cells was related to low hemoglobin level (p<0.01), high CRP (p<0.01), osteolyses (p<0.01) and finally to higher mortality rate (p<0.05). Interestingly, we have found correlation of CD31 expression with the parameters of MM disease which might deserve further evaluation also in the context of recent data on increased angiogenesis in this disorder. One could speculate on the possible connection of high CD31 expression by neoplastic myeloma cells and increased formation of bone marrow blood vessels in this disease, also with the prognostic importance.

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