title: Markedly upregulated serum interleukin-12 as a novel biomarker in POEMS syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To systematically study abnormalities in cytokine profiles in polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome, which has been increasingly recognized as a cause of demyelinating neuropathy associated with plasma cell dyscrasia and elevated serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
  
  
  METHODS
  In this case-control study, we measured serum levels of 27 cytokines in patients with POEMS syndrome using a multiplex suspension array system, and compared them with those of controls. In 10 patients, serial changes after treatment were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Interleukin (IL)-12 as well as VEGF levels were markedly increased (p < 0.0001) in all the patients (n = 23). Ten kinds of other proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were also significantly increased in the POEMS syndrome group, but in some patients the serum levels of such cytokines remained within the normal ranges. After treatments, the IL-12 as well as VEGF levels significantly decreased with clinical improvements (p > 0.01 and p > 0.05, respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings suggest that serum IL-12 is a biomarker of the disease activity in POEMS syndrome. The overproduction of IL-12, as well as VEGF, is likely to play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disorder, and could contribute to the peripheral nerve demyelination in POEMS syndrome.
authors: Departments of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba. VZR03355@nifty.ne.jp
authors: Kazuaki
authors: K
authors: Kanai
authors: Setsu
authors: S
authors: Sawai
authors: Kazuyuki
authors: K
authors: Sogawa
authors: Masahiro
authors: M
authors: Mori
authors: Sonoko
authors: S
authors: Misawa
authors: Kazumoto
authors: K
authors: Shibuya
authors: Sagiri
authors: S
authors: Isose
authors: Yumi
authors: Y
authors: Fujimaki
authors: Yuichi
authors: Y
authors: Noto
authors: Yukari
authors: Y
authors: Sekiguchi
authors: Saiko
authors: S
authors: Nasu
authors: Chiaki
authors: C
authors: Nakaseko
authors: Shigetsugu
authors: S
authors: Takano
authors: Hideyuki
authors: H
authors: Yoshitomi
authors: Masaru
authors: M
authors: Miyazaki
authors: Fumio
authors: F
authors: Nomura
authors: Satoshi
authors: S
authors: Kuwabara
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016878:POEMS Syndrome / Q000097:blood*; D015854:Up-Regulation; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D018664:Interleukin-12