{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Evaluation of interleukin-18 levels in patients affected by multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance: analysis and review of the literature.
{Author}: Allegra A;Vincelli D;Spatari G;Ferraro M;Alibrandi A;Mirabile G;Pace E;Martino B;Pioggia G;Gangemi S;
{Journal}: Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci
{Volume}: 28
{Issue}: 12
{Year}: 2024 Jun
{Factor}: 3.784
{DOI}: 10.26355/eurrev_202406_36465
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a preneoplastic disease that often precedes multiple myeloma. The multistep evolutionary pattern of multiple myeloma is driven by genetic instability, a pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive microenvironment, and tumor growth. Inflammation has long been recognized as a factor in both the onset and progression of cancer.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>In this study, interleukin-18 plasma levels were compared in patients with multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, as well as in a group of healthy controls.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Our study shows that monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance patients have lower levels of interleukin-18 than healthy controls (521.657 ± 168.493 pg/ml vs. 1,266.481 ± 658.091 pg/ml for controls, p < 0.001). Thus, we discovered a significant difference in interleukin-18 levels between multiple myeloma patients and controls (418.177 ± 197.837 pg/ml; p = 0.001).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>In our work, we identified a reduction of interleukin-18 in monoclonal gammopathies. Furthermore, in this paper, we aimed to evaluate the existing literature on the potential mechanisms of action of this pro-inflammatory cytokine in the development of these diseases.