Many cytokines possess variable roles in the pathogenesis of multiple
myeloma. Macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha) is an
osteoclast-activating factor with a major role in myeloma bone disease.
The aim of the study was to examine its participation in the angiogenic
process of the disease. We measured, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assays, its serum levels in 56 newly diagnosed myeloma patients, in
several skeletal grades and stages of the disease and in 25 healthy
controls. Concurrently, we measured serum levels of the angiogenic
cytokines basic-fibroblast growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor and
interleukin-18. All the above cytokines were higher in myeloma patients
(p < 0.001 for all cases) and were increasing in parallel with disease
stage (p < 0.001 for all cases) and skeletal grade (p < 0.04 for
MIP-1alpha and p < 0.001 for the other cases). Moreover, positive
correlations between MIP-1alpha and all the angiogenic cytokines were
noted (p < 0.001 for all cases). MIP-1alpha seems to be a predominant
factor responsible for the enhancement of bone resorption and increased
angiogenesis. The positive correlation between MIP-1alpha and the
angiogenic chemoattractants supports the involvement of these factors in
the biology of myeloma cell growth. Moreover, they could be used as
possible therapeutic targets as well as markers of disease activity