Abstract
Purpose: To determine the effect of curcumin (as Meriva) on absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), T cell populations and NK cells in patients with Rai stage 0/1 chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) over a period of six months. Experimental Design: Twenty-one patients with significant lympho- cytosis (>20 × 10 9 lymphocytes/L) and stage 0/1 CLL were recruited into the study and received oral curcumin 2 grams/day. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at 2 monthly intervals for six months for full blood count, leukocyte surface antigens, liver function, serum biochemistry, immunoglobulins, CRP and ESR. A positive biologic response was defined as a reduction in the ALC of more than 20% from pre-treatment levels. Results: Four patients (20%) demonstrated more than 20% decrease in ALC, three of whom had lower ALC at the end of the study as compared to baseline. The decrease in ALC was accompanied by an increase in CD4, CD8 and NK cells. No de- monstrable response was seen in seventeen patients (80%) who exhibited stable, fluctuating or increasing ALC during the study. Conclusion: A subgroup of stage 0/1 CLL patients may be respon- sive to curcumin therapy. The beneficial response appears to be immunomodulated.
Highlights
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common type of leukemia in the Western world [1]
The decrease in absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) was accompanied by an increase in the CD4 count in all 4 patients (100%) after 2 months of curcumin therapy, and an increase in CD8 and NK cells in 2 (50%) patients after 2 months of curcumin therapy
Immunomulation of CD4 T cell, CD8 T cell and NK cell subsets has been found in numerous studies on curcumin therapy [18]-[21]
Summary
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common type of leukemia in the Western world [1]. It involves mature-appearing defective neoplastic lymphocytes (almost always B cells) with an abnormally long life span. The peripheral blood, bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes undergo leukemic infiltration. Nonspecific symptoms include fatigue and malaise and are usually attributable to the anemia. Diagnosis is confirmed by examination of peripheral smear and bone marrow aspirate. Patients with CLL have been shown to have elevated T cell (CD3, CD4 and CD8) and NK cell populations [2]. A higher number of T and NK cells have been associated with delayed disease progression and time to treatment [3]
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