Abstract
Cytokines may induce thombocytopenia, perhaps at least in part by activating macrophages, which are responsible for platelet peripheral destruction. Previous studies showed that IL-2- and TNF-induced platelet decline may be neutralized by the pineal indole MLT. On this basis, a study was performed to evaluate MLT effects in 10 patients (pts) showing persistent thrombocytopenia under IFN therapy for neoplastic disease (n = 8) or chronic hepatitis (n = 2). IFN was given SC at 3 million U thrice/week. MLT was given orally at 20 mg/day in the evening. A normalization of platelet number occurred in 6/10 pts after at least 1 month of MLT therapy. Moreover, most pts experienced a relief of IFN-induced asthenia and depression. This preliminary study would suggest that MLT may antagonize IFN-induced thrombocytopenia. Further studies will be required to confirm these data and to establish which is the influence of MLT on IFN therapeutic activity.
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