Systemic levels of Interleukin 8 and Hematological Measures in Acute Leukemia Patients

Abstract

Background: Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a strong neutrophil chemotactic factor with essential roles in both pathogenesis and prognosis of several diseases. Several pathological conditions lead to alterations in the level of IL-8. Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine the significance of IL-8 and hematological parameters in the diagnosis of acute leukemia in a Pakistani population. Methods: The study comprised of 140 individuals. The serum IL-8 concentrations were measured using enzyme amplified sensitivity immunoassay (EASIA) and the hematological parameters were determined using automated hematology analyser. Results: IL-8 concentrations were significantly higher in patients (509.6 ± 261.4 pg/ml) than in controls (326.6 ± 95.6 pg/ml). Within the patient group, AML patients had significantly higher serum levels of IL-8 (546 ± 278.7 pg/ml)  compared to ALL patients (352.7 ± 106.7 pg/ml). Hematological parameters such as hemoglobin, platelets and white blood cell count were assessed. The white cell count was significantly higher in leukemic patients compared to the control group (t = 11.5; P < 0.001) while the hemoglobin of the patient group was significantly lower compared to the control group (P = 0). On the other hand, the difference in platelet count of the groups was insignificant (P = 0.07). Conclusions: The results of the study showed that IL-8 concentrations were significantly higher in AML group when compared with ALL group and control group, suggesting that IL-8 may serve as an important biomarker for serum-based detection of acute leukemia especially AML.