B-Lymphocyte stimulator: a new biomarker for multiple myeloma

Eur J Haematol. 2009 Apr;82(4):267-76. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0609.2008.01203.x. Epub 2009 Jan 31.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common malignant tumor, characterized by unlimited proliferation of abnormal plasmocytes in bone marrow. Considering the biological function of B-Lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and its receptors in B cell, we examined BLyS and its receptors expression in MM cells. Our studies confirmed that BLyS and its receptors are expressed in MM cells, including KM3, CZ-1, and primary MM cells, playing an important role in the survival and proliferation of MM cells. Additionally, we provide evidence that BLyS protein is located in the MM cell plasma membrane. We also found that IFN-gamma and IL-6 can induce BLyS expression on MM cells, while after the treatment of BAY11-7082, an IkB-alpha phosphorylation inhibitor, IFN-gamma induced up regulation of BLyS was completely inhibited, suggesting that nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) might be involved in the mechanism of the regulation of BLyS levels in response to cytokines. Finally, linear correlation analysis of the Lactate Dehydrogenase concentration and beta 2-microglobulin level with BLyS, and expressions of BLyS mRNA in MM patients revealed a significant correlation between them (P < 0.01 in all case), showing that BLyS could be a biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of MM.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • B-Cell Activating Factor / genetics*
  • B-Cell Activating Factor / physiology
  • B-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • B-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • Biomarkers
  • Bone Marrow Cells / pathology
  • Cell Division
  • Cells, Cultured
  • DNA Primers
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Monocytes / pathology
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology*
  • NF-kappa B / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • NF-kappa B / physiology
  • Nitriles / therapeutic use
  • Reference Values
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sulfones / therapeutic use
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / physiology

Substances

  • 3-(4-methylphenylsulfonyl)-2-propenenitrile
  • B-Cell Activating Factor
  • Biomarkers
  • DNA Primers
  • NF-kappa B
  • Nitriles
  • Sulfones
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha