title: Determination of HLA-G Expression and Evaluation of Its Role as a Prognostic Factor in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In recent years, the clinical and biological features governing the clinical course of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have been most extensively studied. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) allows tumor cells to escape from the antitumor effect of the immune system. Recent studies have shown that various tumor cells show an increased HLA-G expression. Data regarding HLA-G expression in CLL are limited and controversial. The aim of this work is to evaluate flow cytometry study of HLA-G expression on cell surface and assess its relationship with other prognostic factors (CD38, ZAP70, beta 2 microglobulin [β2MG]) in patients with CLL.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-five newly diagnosed CLL cases. White blood cell count, lymphocyte absolute count, hemoglobin level, platelet count, serum lactate dehydrogenase activity, and serum β2MG level were studied at admission. In each patient, morphologic diagnosis of B-CLL was confirmed by flow cytometry HLA-G, CD38 and ZAP70 expression levels were measured with four-color flow cytometry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  HLA-G positivity ranged between 1% and 12% in CLL patients. A significant correlation was found with CD38, ZAP70, disease stage, and β2MG (P < 0.001). The off-treatment follow-up period was longer in the HLA-G negative group (P < 0.022).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In conclusion, we suggest that, in addition to other prognostic factors, surface HLA-G expression can be considered as an independent prognostic factor. However, our work should be confirmed by further prospective studies, a longer off-treatment follow-up period, and a standardized method.
authors: Department of Haemotology, Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. gulsumozet@gmail.com.
authors: Gulsum
authors: G
authors: Ozet
authors: Department of Haemotology, Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Mesude
authors: M
authors: Falay
authors: Department of Haemotology, Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Simten
authors: S
authors: Dagdas
authors: Department of Haemotology, Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Funda
authors: F
authors: Ceran
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D015295:Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D059951:HLA-G Antigens / Q000097:blood*; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / Q000097:blood; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012372:ROC Curve; D051746:ZAP-70 Protein-Tyrosine Kinase / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D015295:Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; D051746:ZAP-70 Protein-Tyrosine Kinase; C497261:ZAP70 protein, human
keywords: chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G); prognostic factors