sIL-2R Levels In Patients Research Articles

Diagnostic Value of sLR11 and sIL-2R in the Cerebrospinal Fluid for Malignant Central Nervous System Lymphoma.

Objective We previously reported that patients with acute leukemia and malignant lymphoma (ML) demonstrated significantly increased serum soluble LR11 (sLR11) levels compared to normal controls. Accurately diagnosing ML of the central nervous system (CNS ML) using cytology is frequently difficult. Therefore, we evaluated the use of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sLR11 and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) as diagnostic and treatment response markers for CNS ML. Methods We retrospectively evaluated the CSF results for CNS ML using clinical data at our institution, and then analyzed the usefulness of sLR11 and sIL-2R in CSF for both the diagnosis and as surrogate markers that reflect the therapeutic effect. Patients We enrolled patients with CNS ML who received intrathecal anticancer drugs between 2017 and 2023. We analyzed the sLR11 and sIL-2R levels in CSF and cytological malignant grades. We studied 22 patients, including 17 with central nervous system (CNS) clinical conditions and five who received prevention treatment. Results The CSF sLR11 levels were significantly and positively correlated with CSF sIL-2R levels. The CSF sLR11 and sIL-2R levels in patients with CNS ML were significantly higher than those in the prevention group. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed the cut-off value of sLR11 for CNS invasion to be 21.7 ng/mL. Moreover, the chemotherapy-responder group demonstrated significantly decreased CSF sLR11 and sIL-2R levels after treatment. Conclusion CSF sLR11 and sIL-2R of CSF were found to be useful biomarkers for the diagnostic and treatment response evaluation in patients with CNS ML.

Serum Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor Does Not Differentiate Complex Regional Pain Syndrome from Other Pain Conditions in a Tertiary Referral Setting.

Previously, we showed that serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels, a marker for T-cell activation, were higher in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) patients than in healthy controls, suggesting pathogenic T-cell activation in CRPS. Additionally, sIL-2R levels discriminated well between CRPS and healthy controls with a high sensitivity (90%) and specificity (89.5%), suggesting a possible role for sIL-2R in the diagnosis of CRPS. In order to further validate this marker in the diagnostic workup of CRPS, we conducted this prospective cohort study in which we determined sIL-2R levels in patients that were referred to our tertiary referral center with a suspicion of CRPS in a limb, and subsequently compared sIL-2R levels between the patients that were diagnosed with CRPS (CRPS group) and those who were not (no CRPS group). A group of anonymous blood bank donors were used as a healthy control group. Furthermore, we explored the relationship between sIL-2R and CRPS disease severity using the CRPS severity score. Median sIL-2R levels of both the CRPS group (2809.0 pg/ml; Q3-Q1: 3913.0-1589.0) and no CRPS group (3654.0 pg/ml; Q3-Q1: 4429.0-2095.5) were significantly higher than that of the control group (1515.0 pg/ml; Q3-Q1: 1880.0-1150.0): CRPS vs. controls, p < .001; no CRPS vs. controls, p < 0.001. Serum sIL-2R levels did not differ significantly between the CRPS and no CRPS group. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between sIL-2R levels and the CRPS severity score (rs = −0.468, p = 0.024). Our results confirm our previous findings of higher sIL-2R levels in CRPS patients than in healthy controls. We further showed that serum sIL-2R cannot differentiate between CRPS and other pain conditions of a limb in a tertiary referral setting. Interestingly, a negative correlation was found between sIL-2R and CRPS disease severity; this finding warrants further research into the relationship between sIL-2R and CRPS disease severity.

Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor: A Potential Marker for Monitoring Disease Activity in IgG4-Related Disease.

Background IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a fibroinflammatory condition. T-cells play a crucial role in the pathogenesis, and therefore, serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) may be a potential biomarker. Method We studied the levels of sIL-2R in 26 histologically proven IgG4-RD patients with available serum sIL-2R and compared them to those in newly diagnosed and untreated sarcoidosis patients (n = 78) and controls (n = 101) and the serum sIL-2R levels in patients after treatment of IgG4-RD (n = 15). The disease activity was measured using the IgG4-Related Disease Responder Index (IgG4-RD RI). Results Median serum sIL-2R in IgG4-RD patients was 4667 pg/ml compared to 1515 pg/ml in controls (P < 0.001) and 6050 pg/ml in sarcoidosis patients (P = 0.004 compared to IgG4-RD). All IgG4-RD patients had elevated serum sIL-2R levels compared to the reference value of <2500 pg/ml in controls and 85% elevated serum IgG4; however, these did not correlate with each other. Both serum sIL-2R and IgG4 levels declined significantly after treatment (P = 0.001 and P = 0.01, resp.). Before treatment, serum sIL-2R level and IgG4-RD RI did not correlate with each other. However, the decrease in serum sIL-2R upon treatment did correlate significantly (P = 0.04) with the decrease in disease activity assessed by IgG-RD RI. Conclusion Serum sIL-2R is elevated in IgG4-RD reflecting the inflammatory process with enhanced T-cell activation. Furthermore, serum sIL-2R might serve as a potential marker of response to treatment in IgG4-RD.

Clinical Significance of sIL-2R Levels in B-Cell Lymphomas

Elevated soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) in sera is observed in patients with malignant lymphoma (ML). Therefore, sIL-2R is commonly used as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for ML, but the mechanisms responsible for the increase in sIL-2R levels in patients with B-cell lymphomas have not yet been elucidated. We first hypothesized that lymphoma cells expressing IL-2R and some proteinases such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the tumor microenvironment can give rise to increased sIL-2R in sera. However, flow cytometric studies revealed that few lymphoma cells expressed IL-2R α chain (CD25) in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL), and most CD25-expressing cells in the tumor were T-cells. Distinct correlations between CD25 expression on B-lymphoma cells and sIL-2R levels were not observed. We then confirmed that MMP-9 plays an important role in producing sIL-2R in functional studies. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis also revealed that MMP-9 is mainly derived from tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). We therefore evaluated the number of CD68 and CD163 positive macrophages in the tumor microenvironment using IHC analysis. A positive correlation between the levels of sIL-2R in sera and the numbers of CD68 positive macrophages in the tumor microenvironment was confirmed in FL and extranodal DLBCL. These results may be useful in understanding the pathophysiology of B-cell lymphomas.

THU0301 Neopterin (NPT) and soluble interleukin 2 receptor (SIL-2R) as useful markers of disease activity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)

BackgroundJIA is the common chronic rheumatic disease in children that may continue to be active in adulthood. The new laboratory markers are needed to adjust therapy of JIA to the...

Abstract 9946: Serum Immunoglobulin G4 Levels Are Increased in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease but Not in Atherosclerotic Aortic Aneurysm

Objectives: Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related sclerosing disease may manifest as cardiovascular disorders, such as inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm and lymphoplasmacytic aortitis. Immune inflammatory process is recognized to underlie the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, thus we investigated the serum levels of IgG4. Methods: Serum levels of IgG4 and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), another marker for lymphocytic activation, were measured in 571 patients (424 males) who underwent coronary angiography. Among the 571 patients enrolled, 409 patients had angiographically-proven coronary artery disease (CAD). In addition, 86 patients had aortic aneurysm: abdominal aortic aneurysm alone, 49; thoracic aortic aneurysm alone, 21, and both abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysm, 16. Results: The mean age of the 571 patients was 66.9 ± 10.3 years. In patients with CAD, the medians of serum levels of IgG4 (34.1 mg/dL) and sIL-2R (396 U/mL) were significantly higher than in those without CAD (IgG4, 30.5 mg/dL, P=0.045; sIL-2R, 322 U/mL, P&lt;0.001). Age and gender-adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that the first (151-292 U/mL), second (293-378 U/mL), third (379-509 U/mL), and fourth (510-3180 U/mL) quartiles of sIL-2R levels had the graded association with CAD with the odds ratio of 1 (reference), 2.21 (95% CI 1.32-3.71), 2.25 (95% CI 1.32-3.85), and 2.50 (95% CI 1.45-4.30), respectively. The fourth quartiles of IgG4 (≥ 57.1 mg/dL) and sIL-2R (≥ 510 U/mL) were also predictive of CAD with an odds ratio of 2.21 and 2.13, respectively, compared with the lowest quartiles among 371 subjects without PCI/CABG history. The medians of IgG4 and sIL-2R levels in patients with aortic aneurysm were 36.6 mg/dL and 384 U/mL, respectively, and these did not significantly differ from those without aortic aneurysm (IgG4, 32.5 mg/dL; sIL-2R, 374 U/mL). Conclusions: Serum levels of IgG4, as well as sIL-2R, were significantly higher in patients with CAD than in those without CAD among subjects without previous coronary interventions, suggesting that IgG4-related immune inflammation may play a role in the coronary atherogenesis. On the other hand, values of these markers did not significantly differ according to the presence or absence of the aortic aneurysm.

Evaluation of serum levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) and CD4, CD8 and natural killer (NK) populations during infrared pulsed laser device (IPLD) treatment

The purpose of this study was to evaluate serum levels of TNF-alpha, sIL-2R and distribution of peripheral leucocyte subsets in patients with advanced neoplastic disease undergoing IPLD treatment. Fifteen cancer patients with evidence of persistent disease were further divided in two groups according to outcome at the end of the period of clinical evaluation: group 1 patients were still alive and group 2 patients had died. Our results show: (i) an increase in the initial level of TNF-alpha in both groups; (ii) a decrease in TNF-alpha levels during the follow up of group 1 patients; (iii) a significant increase in serum levels of sIL-2R in patients in group 2 compared with those in group 1; (iv) a progressive and constant increase in TNF-alpha levels in group 2; (v) a decrease in CD4+CD45RA+ subpopulation in both groups; (vi) an increase in CD25+ cells; (vii) an increase in CD4+, CD4+CD45RA+ and CD25+ cells during the follow up of group 2 patients. The data generated here form the basis for further investigations on the use of IPLD as a single agent and in combination with other biological response modifiers in cancer patients.

Increased soluble IL-2 receptor levels during interferon and ribavirin treatment are associated with a good response in genotype 2a/2b patients with chronic hepatitis C

Serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) are known to serve as a marker for the activation of T lymphocytes. We measured serum levels of sIL-2R in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) during interferon (IFN)-based treatment to determine the correlation between those levels and therapeutic efficacy, and to clarify whether there is a difference in the activation of T lymphocytes among HCV genotypes after the treatment. Forty-four patients received IFN-alpha2b monotherapy (group IFN-M), whereas 82 patients received the combination therapy with IFN-alpha2b and ribavirin (group IFN+R). We measured serum sIL-2R levels in these patients before (T0) and 2 weeks (T2) after the treatment. The sustained virologic response rates in genotype 2a/2b patients were significantly higher than those in genotype 1b patients in both groups (P<0.005). In sustained virologic responders, sIL-2R levels at T2 were significantly higher than those at T0 in both groups (P<0.001). In nonresponders, sIL-2R levels at T2 were not different from those at T0 in group IFN-M, but were significantly higher than those at T0 in group IFN+R (P=0.0072). In genotype 1b patients, sIL-2R levels at T2 were not different from those at T0 in group IFN-M, but were significantly higher than those at T0 in group IFN+R (P=0.0064). In genotype 2a/2b patients, sIL-2R levels at T2 were significantly higher than those at T0 in both groups (P<0.0005). These findings suggest that the activation of T lymphocytes after IFN-based treatment contributes to a high-sustained virologic response rate, especially in genotype 2a/2b patients.

Role of Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor Levels in Patients with Latent Tuberculosis

Serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) serves as a marker of disease activity in patients with tuberculosis (TB). However, little is known about its role in latent TB. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of sIL-2R in patients with latent TB and correlate them with the purified protein derivate (PPD) test results. Patients with a diagnosis of latent TB were divided into three subgroups by induration size: <10 mm, 10-20 mm, >20 mm. Blood was collected for sIL-2R assay. Findings were compared to a healthy control group. The study group consisted of 44 patients (68% male) of mean ( +/- SD) age 20 +/- 10 years, and the control group consisted of 41 subjects (42% male) aged 31 +/- 11 years. Comparison of the two groups yielded a significantly higher serum sIL-2R level in the patients (450 +/- 224 U/ml vs. 374 +/- 30 U/ml, p = 0.03). Mean sIL-2R levels were significantly correlated with the presence of latent TB (p = 0.03), and with purified protein derivative (PPD) subgroups: 387 +/- 177 U/ml for induration size <10 mm, NS; 450 +/- 238 U/ml for 10-20 mm, p = 0.04, and 605 +/- 235 U/ml for >20 mm, p < 0.0001. sIL-2R assay may serve as an additional tool to estimate the extent of the immune response in patients with latent TB.

Diagnostic value of peripheral blood T-cell activation and soluble IL-2 receptor for acute rejection in liver transplantation

Background: T-cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of rejection. Monitoring T-cells activation markers in peripheral blood may contribute to diagnosis of acute rejection after liver transplantation (LTX). Methods: Lymphocyte subset distribution, expression of T-cell activation markers (flow cytometry), concentration of soluble (s) interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) (solid phase chemiluminescence immunoassay), and liver enzymes as well as bilirubin were prospectively tested in peripheral blood samples of LTX patients with ( n=69) and without acute rejection ( n=50). Acute rejection was assessed by standard criteria including liver biopsies. Results: Intra-individual monitoring of immune parameters revealed an up-regulation of IL-2 receptor (CD25) expression on CD4 and CD8 T-cells together with increases in sIL-2R levels in patients with acute rejections. Measuring sIL-2R levels resulted in highest diagnostic efficiency (>85%). This level of diagnostic efficiency was not reached by any other marker tested. From all conventional markers of hepatocellular integrity and function, alkaline phosphatase reached the highest level of diagnostic efficiency with 70%. Conclusions: Monitoring of up-regulation of the IL-2/IL-2R pathway represents a useful tool for assessment of acute rejection after LTX.

Serum adhesion molecules and interleukin-2 receptor as markers of tumour load and prognosis in advanced cutaneous melanoma

Cell adhesion molecules are cell surface glycoproteins that may act as mediators in the metastatic process. Soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) is an immunological marker that may also serve as an indicator of tumour progression. Normal and neoplastic cells are capable of releasing these molecules into circulation. We evaluated the association between pretreatment serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1) and sIL-2R and metastases and survival in 50 patients with advanced melanoma. The patients with liver and/or bone metastases had significantly higher sICAM-1 levels than those with soft tissue and/or lung involvement (P=0.002). In addition, there was a trend towards higher sIL-2R levels in patients with more metastatic sites (P=0.07). In univariate analysis, the number of metastatic sites (P=0.0001, odds ratio (OR) 3.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.7–5.3), the metastatic site (P=0.01, OR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2–4.4) and the levels of sICAM-1 (P=0.011, OR 2.5, 95% CI: 1.2–5.0), sVCAM-1 (P=0.036, OR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.0–4.3) and sIL-2R (P=0.0016, OR 3.0, 95% CI: 1.5–6.0) were found to be statistically significant prognostic factors for survival. In multivariate analysis, the number of metastatic sites was the dominant prognostic indicator. After it was excluded from the analysis, the sIL-2R level and the metastatic site were found to be significant. It can be concluded, that high sICAM-1 levels suggest liver metastases and sIL-2R seems to serve as a marker of tumour load in metastatic melanoma. Furthermore, the sIL-2R level appears to add to clinical data predicting the patient's outcome.

Serum Level of a Soluble Receptor for Interleukin-2 as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Gastric Cancer

Increased levels of a soluble receptor for interleukin-2 (sIL-2R) have been found in the serum from patients with a variety of malignancies. Levels of sIL-2R have not previously been examined in a large group of patients with gastric cancer as a possible indicator of prognosis. Serum levels of sIL-2R were measured preoperatively by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 121 patients with gastric cancer. The preoperative levels of sIL-2R in patients with gastric cancer were significantly higher than those in normal controls. An elevated level of sIL-2R was significantly correlated with certain clinicopathologic features, which included depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, lymphatic vessel invasion, blood vessel invasion and clinical stage. The postoperative survival time of patients with elevated levels of sIL-2R was significantly shorter than that of patients with normal levels. Furthermore, a multivariate analysis using Cox’s proportional hazards model showed that the combination of levels of carcinoembryonic antigen and sIL-2R was an independent indicator of prognosis. Thus, the serum level of sIL-2R might be a useful prognostic indicator in patients with gastric cancer.

The levels of plasma interleukin-2 and soluble interleukin-2R in Behçet's disease: a marker of disease activity.

It is well known that patients with Behçet's disease (BD) have an activated immune system, probably mediated by soluble factors in the circulation. The purpose of our study was to examine the roles of plasma interleukin-2 (IL-2) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) in the pathogenesis of BD. Thirty-two patients with BD diagnosed according to the Criteria of the International Study Group for Behçet's Disease and 20 age-matched healthy persons were included in the study. The plasma levels of cytokines were measured by ELISA. Plasma levels of IL-2 and sIL-2R were increased in BD over controls, but the differences were not statistically significant. sIL-2R levels in patients with active disease were significantly higher than in either patients with inactive disease (p < 0.001) or the control group (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that the level of sIL-2R in BD seems to be related to disease activity.

Clinical implication of serum sIL-2R levels in ovarian cancer.

The levels of serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) of 36 patients with ovarian cancer, 34 with benign gynecological tumors and 31 blood donors were measured by ELISA. Compared to those of benign and normal controls, serum levels of sIL-2R in patients with ovarian cancer elevated significantly (P < 0.01). Serum sIL-2R levels were likely related to types, clinical stage or histological grading of ovarian cancer. We were led to conclude that serum sIL-2R level may reflect the status of the immune system and the disease severity in patients with ovarian cancer. Its value as a marker for monitoring treatment and prognosis needs further studies.

In subjects with antibody to hepatitis C virus a high serum level of interleukin-2 soluble receptor suggests activity of liver disease.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an RNA virus without apparent cytopathic effects, and hepatocellular damage in chronic infection is generally believed to be immune-mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Activated T cells release the soluble form of the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor (sIL-2R) and its concentration is correlated with the degree of lymphocyte activation. We measured sIL-2R in 69 subjects: 24 healthy repeat blood donors (group I), 17 HCV carriers without liver damage (group II) and 28 patients with HCV-related chronic active hepatitis (group III). There was no significant difference between sIL-2R levels in patients of group I (36.5 +/- 14.6 U ml-1) and group II (46.8 +/- 17.4 U ml-1), and the levels for both of these groups were significantly lower than those observed in the patients with active HCV, group III (176.9 +/- 59.5 U ml-1). Hence, among HCV-infected subjects (HCV RNA positive) with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, the plasma levels of sIL-2R are normal, but, in patients (HCV RNA positive) with HCV-related chronic active hepatitis there are increased plasma levels of sIL-2R. We conclude that in HCV infection high levels of sIL-2R are related to activity of the disease rather than to virus replication. In patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease, the sIL-2R concentration may be a useful marker of disease activity.

Serum Levels of Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Objectives. To evaluate increased serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods. Serum sIL-2R levels were measured in 52 patients with RCC and 10 control subjects by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. The correlation between serum sIL-2R levels and clinical stage, disease prognostic value, and inflammatory marker levels was analyzed. Results. Serum sIL-2R levels in patients with RCC were significantly higher than those in normal control subjects (857.2 ± 660.0 versus 291.3 ± 76.4 U/mL, P <0.0001). High serum sIL-2R levels appeared to be related to advanced clinical stage (596.0 ± 276.5 U/mL in Stage II, 776.1 ± 398.8 U/mL in Stage III, and 1310.0 ± 926.7 U/mL in Stage IV: Stage II vs. Stage III, P = 0.0078; Stage II vs. Stage IV, P <0.0001). The overall cause-specific survival curves showed that patients with high sIL-2R levels (more than 1000 U/mL) had a significantly lower survival rate than those with low (less than 500 U/mL, P = 0.0003) or intermediate levels (500 to 1000 U/mL, P = 0.0007). C-reactive protein levels apparently increased in patients with high sIL-2R concentrations. Conclusions. Measurement of serum sIL-2R concentrations in patients with RCC provides useful information for predicting the extent of disease and length of survival.

Serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor in patients with various renal diseases.

To clarify the serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) in patients with renal diseases, we examined 281 patients without various renal diseases with or without systemic disease (including 197 patients without systemic diseases and 84 patients with systemic diseases). The sIL-2R level was significantly higher in patients with renal diseases, than in healthy volunteers. In the group of renal diseases, the sIL-2R level in patients with rapidly progressive nephritic syndrome was especially higher than in patients with other renal diseases. In patients without systemic diseases, the serum level of sIL-2R was significantly and positively correlated with the urinary excretion of protein, and the serum levels of creatinine and uric acid, and was negatively correlated with the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). In the patients with systemic diseases, the correlation between the serum levels of sIL-2R and the serum levels of creatinine or GFR were not as strong as observed in the patients without systemic diseases. The serum level of sIL-2R was outside the normal range in patients with systemic diseases with a serum level of creatinine above 2.0 mg/100 ml. These findings suggest that the serum levels of sIL-2R in patients with renal disease may increase and correlate with the impaired renal function, that he increased sIL-2R levels in patients with systemic diseases may be dependent on the activity of systemic disease, and that it may be not useful indicator of diseases activity in patients with systemic diseases when the serum level of creatinine was above 2.0 mg/100 ml.

Effect of prednisolone therapy on serum concentrations of soluble interleukin-2 receptor in patients with IgA nephropathy

Background It is not known whether steroid therapy affects the serum level of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) in patients with glomerulonephritis. We therefore examined the relationship between serum level of sIL-2R and indicators of disease activity in patients with immunoglobulin (Ig) A nephropathy, and serum levels of sIL-2R in patients before and after prednisolone therapy.

Elevated interleukin-2 receptor level in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis and the changes following anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy.

Soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) is a marker of T-lymphocyte activation. We have undertaken a study to examine the serum sIL-2R levels in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and the changes following anti-TB chemotherapy. Forty four patients with pulmonary TB or tuberculous pleural effusion were recruited. Serum was collected from the patients before and at 1, 2, 4 and 6 months after initiation of anti-TB chemotherapy. Serum sIL-2R level was measured by an enzyme immunoassay. The mean sIL-2R level before treatment was 1,452 +/- 103 (SEM) U.ml-1, which was significantly higher than that of healthy control subjects (374 +/- 30 U.ml-1). There was no significant change in the sIL-2R level at 1 month, but there was a gradual reduction from the second month onwards. At the sixth month the mean sIL-2R level was 1080 +/- 81 U.ml-1, which was significantly lower than that before treatment. However, despite clinical improvement, the sIL-2R levels at the sixth month were still significantly higher than those of control subjects. We conclude that sIL-2R levels were elevated in patients with pulmonary TB and there was a gradual reduction following anti-TB chemotherapy. However, the sIL-2R levels were still higher than control subjects at completion of treatment, suggesting a delayed resolution of the inflammation in patients with pulmonary TB.

Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor Levels in Cytomegalovirus Disease and Graft Versus Host Disease after T-Lymphocyte Depleted Bone Marrow Transplantation for Hematological Neoplasias

In recent years, the soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor (sIL-2R) has gained recognition as a valuable marker of in vivo activated immune functions in a variety of diseases. We studied sIL-2R levels in patients with cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease, and/or graft versus host disease (GVHD) following bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Our study included 36 patients after T-cell depleted allogenic BMT and 11 healthy controls. Mean sIL-2R serum levels were significantly higher after BMT than before (1273 u/ml vs. 629 u/ml, respectively, p < 0.007). In the patients who developed CMV disease, with or without GVHD, mean sIL-2R levels increased significantly (2866 u/ml p < 0.004); there was a drop after recovery (1949 u/ml), but not a return to pre-CMV onset levels. Similar elevated sIL-2R levels were found in patients during CMV disease only, GVHD only, or both. In patients who developed GVHD, sIL-2R levels were positively correlated with the severity of GVHD (Pearson's correlation coefficient .8322, p < 0.003). We conclude that sIL-2R may serve as a valuable nonspecific marker for the presence of CMV disease and severity of GVHD following T-lymphocyte depleted BMT.