Assessment of Serum IL-15 in Adult Acute Leukemia Patients

Abstract

Background Interleukin 15 (IL-15), a proinflammatory cytokine, regulates the functions of the immune system and controls the differentiation of hematopoietic cells. However, it may also promote the development of leukemia through its role in enhancing the survival, proliferation and differentiation of leukemic precursors. Aim of the work To assess expression of IL-15 level in adult Egyptian acute leukemia patients, its correlation with disease free survival, overall survival and relapse rate, as well as its possible correlation with other prognostic parameters. Patients and methods Serum IL-15 level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 30 newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients, 30 newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and 30 age and sex-matched healthy control subjects. The patients were recruited from clinical hematology department at Ain shams university hospital over the period from April 2017 to October 2018. Results In ALL patients: The serum IL-15 level was higher in ALL patients compared to control subjects (P = 0.015). Patients with ALL with high serum IL 15 level had shorter survival compared to those with low or average serum IL 15 level (P = 0.005). In AML patients: The serum IL-15 level was higher in AML patients compared to control subjects (P = 0.010). Patients with AML with high serum IL 15 level had shorter survival compared to those with low or average serum IL 15 level (P < 0.001). Serum IL15 level has negative correlation with the date of death in patients with AML (P = 0.001). Conclusion Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is a useful poor prognostic marker in patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia, also it can be used as a predictor for survival. Abbreviations AML (acute myeloid leukemia), ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia), IL-15 (Interleukin 15).