SERUM IL-6, IL-12, AND IL-10 LEVELS IN EARLY-STAGE, UNTREATED CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA PATIENTS: INSIGHTS FROM GEORGIA

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is the most common adult leukemia in Western countries and is characterized by the clonal expansion of mature CD19⁺/CD5⁺/CD23⁺ B lymphocytes. Immune dysregulation is a hallmark of CLL, predisposing patients to infections and significantly altering circulating cytokine profiles. While such changes have been extensively investigated in advanced stages, little is known about cytokine alterations in early-stage, untreated CLL patients in Georgia.

Methods: Serum levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-12 (IL-12), as well as the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10), were measured in 25 newly diagnosed, untreated CLL patients (Rai stage 0/I, Binet A) and 15 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Cytokine concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using commercially available kits (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Statistical comparisons were performed between groups, and correlations with clinical parameters were analyzed.

Results: IL-6 levels were significantly higher in CLL patients compared to healthy volunteers (median 15 pg/mL vs. 4 pg/mL; P<0.0001), with considerable inter-individual variability. IL-12 concentrations were also elevated in CLL patients (P=0.0019) and showed a strong negative correlation with absolute lymphocyte counts (r=-0.7). In contrast, IL-10 levels did not differ significantly between groups (P=0.3432).

Conclusions: Even at the earliest clinical stages, untreated CLL patients demonstrate a cytokine profile indicative of a pro-inflammatory and partially immunostimulatory microenvironment, which may influence disease pathogenesis and progression. The observed elevations in IL-6 and IL-12 suggest their potential utility as early biomarkers and possible therapeutic targets.