Tumor Markers in Leukemia: Evaluation of Serum Levels of Different Forms of Sialic Acid, Regan Isoenzyme and Lactate Dehydrogenase

Peripheral FLT-3 ligand levels as a pathobiological parameter duringthe clinical course of acute myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND/AIM

FLT-3 ligand is a growth factor affecting the hematopoietic lineage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variability of peripheral FLT-3 ligand during the clinical course of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four patients were enrolled in this study in order to assess alterations in the circulating levels of FLT-3 ligand during the clinical course of AML.

RESULTS

We studied the association in the diagnostic period between the FLT-3 ligand and peripheral blood cells together with serum electrolytes. FLT-3 ligand levels (pg/mL) during the aplastic period due to remission induction and consolidation were higher than the levels at initial diagnosis. On the other hand, the diagnostic and remission induction values of leukocytes and FLT-3 ligand showed an inverse association. These results indicate to us that higher white cell counts are associated with lower FLT-3 ligand levels. We also found a reversed association between FLT-3 ligand and serum lactate dehydrogenase level. However, there was no association between FLT-3 ligand and other serum electrolyte levels. We also found higher FLT-3 ligand levels in male patients.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates the inverse proliferative action of FLT-3 ligand on the early myeloid lineage. In addition, this study showed us that FLT-3 receptor inhibition during chemotherapy-induced aplasia causes a compensative ligand overexpression.

Regan isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase as a tumour marker for renal cell carcinoma

Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme present in all tissues of the human body. Several isoforms of this enzyme have been described with different catalytic nature, stability and antigenic structure. Rises in the activity of alkaline phosphatase are recognised in various states including bone diseases, liver disease, pregnancy, hyperthyroidism and malignant processes. The Regan isoenzyme, a rare variant of placental alkaline phosphatase, has been identified circulating in association with various tumours. The reported case describes a rising Regan isoform of alkaline phosphatase concentrations that led to a new diagnosis of occult renal cell carcinoma and persistently elevated activity postoperatively signposting persistent or recurrent disease.

AMF/PGI transactivates the MMP-3 gene through the activation of Src-RhoA-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling to induce hepatoma cell migration

We have previously shown that AMF/PGI induces hepatoma cell migration through the induction of MMP-3. This work investigates how AMF/PGI activates the MMP-3 gene. We demonstrated that AMF/PGI transactivates the MMP-3 gene promoter through AP-1. The transactivation and induction of cell migration effect of AMF/PGI directly correlates with its enzymatic activity. Various analyses showed that AMF/PGI stimulated the Src-RhoA-PI3-kinase signaling pathway, and these three signaling molecules could form a complex. Our results demonstrate a new mechanism of AMF/PGI-induced cell migration and a link between Src-RhoA-PI3-kinase, AP-1, MMP-3 and hepatoma cell migration.

Sialic acid concentration in different stages of malignant lymphoma and leukemia in children

Sialic acid concentration in the blood serum of 104 children suffering from leukemia and malignant lymphomas was determined. A significant higher concentration of sialic acid was found at the onset of the disease, compared to the controls. In the group of children suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia a dependence was noted between the stage of the disease and the concentration of sialic acid in the serum. The high concentration of sialic acid at the onset of the disease, although decreasing during treatment, rose again during relapses of the disease. It seems that determination of sialic acid concentration may be useful in monitoring treatment.

Clinical Significance of Serum Total and Heat-Stable Alkaline Phosphatase in Leukemia Patients

Aims and Background

Variations in serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and placental-like (heat stable) alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) are found to be clinically useful in cancer patients. The present study evaluated serum ALP and PLAP levels to establish a blood-based biochemical index for leukemia patients.

Study design

ALP and PLAP levels were determined in 145 untreated leukemia patients, 77 anemia patients, 150 healthy individuals (controls), 47 leukemic patients in remission and 23 patients with persistent leukemic activity/accelerated leukemic phase (P. Leu./A. Leu.). The enzymes were estimated with highly specific spectrophotometric methods.

Results

Serum ALP and PLAP levels were significantly elevated in anemia patients and leukemia patients compared to controls. Comparison between anemia patients and leukemia patients showed insignificant differences for ALP, whereas PLAP levels were significantly raised (p < 0.001) in leukemia patients. ALP showed insignificant difference between untreated leukemia patients, patients with P. Leu./A. Leu. and leukemia patients in remission. PLAP levels were comparable in patients with P. Leu./A. Leu. and were significantly lower (p < 0.02) in leukemia patients in remission than in untreated leukemia patients.

Conclusions

The results indicate that serum PLAP levels are a useful biochemical marker for diagnosis and treatment monitoring of leukemia patients. However, serum ALP levels have limited utility for leukemia patients.