title: Bcl-xl expression in multiple myeloma.
abstract: In the present study the immunohistochemical expression of Bcl-xl, a downstream target of the IL-6-controlled signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (Stat3) was studied in 40 multiple myeloma (MM) cases before treatment and 11 MM patients at relapse. Correlation analysis was performed between Bcl-xl expression, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, beta-2-microglobulin (beta2m), microvessel density (MVD), and clinical outcome. Before treatment 28 (70%) patients demonstrated a Bcl-xl expression similar to normal plasma cells ("normal pattern"), while 12 (30%) patients demonstrated an elevated expression in a subgroup of the malignant plasma cells. At relapse, no change in Bcl-xl expression was observed as compared to pretreatment sample. No correlation was observed between the Bcl-xl expression and the level of CRP and b2m. In addition, no significant correlation was observed between the Bcl-xl expression and the MVD, but MVD was significantly increased as compared to normal bone marrow biopsy specimens (p=0.02). Patients with an elevated or normal Bcl-xl expression showed no statistically significant difference in overall and event-free survival. In summary, these data indicate that Bcl-xl is elevated in a subgroup of MM patients that so far did not correlate with CRP, b2m, MVD, and clinical outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology, University Hospital Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: S D P W M
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Peeters
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hovenga
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rosati
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vellenga
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001706:Biopsy; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D011379:Prognosis; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein