Serum B-cell maturation antigen level in multiple myeloma

Abstract

Background Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant neoplasm of plasma cells that accumulate in the bone marrow producing excessive amounts of monoclonal immunoglobulins (Ig) and suppression of other normal polyclonal Igs, leading to bone destruction and marrow failure. B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is known to bind to B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) or a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), leading to the activation of cell proliferation pathways and upregulation of antiapoptotic proteins, which is considered the main step in the pathogenesis of MM. Aim This study was planned to evaluate serum BCMA levels in MM patients and its clinical significance. Patients and methods This study was carried out on 40 newly diagnosed MM patients and 40 apparently healthy individuals served as the control. The two studied groups were compared as regards serum BCMA levels using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results Results showed that there was a statistically significant increase in MM patients when compared with the control group, and there was a significant positive correlation between BCMA level and plasma cells in bone marrow, M protein, number of bone lesions, and beta-2 microglobulin. However there was no correlation between BCMA level and age, creatinine, and hemoglobin. Conclusion Serum BCMA level was significantly elevated in MM patients compared with healthy controls that may suggest the role of BCMA in the pathogenesis of MM. The high sensitivity of BCMA suggests that it may be a novel diagnostic marker, and its level was positively correlated with other prognostic markers. It may be used as a prognostic marker in MM patients.