Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the most common primary bone malignancy. It accounts for 10% of all the hematological malignancies diagnosed in USA. More commonly seen in African Americans than in white persons. Median age at diagnosis 68 yrs in male and 70 yrs in female. ⅓ to ⅔rd of patients present with bone pain. Vertebra, skull, ribs, sternum, proximal humeri, and femora bones are involved most frequently. Bone lesions occur due to Uncoupling of balance between osteoclastic and osteoblastic activity. IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-a, and MIP-1a all activate osteoclastic activity. Among these cytokines IL6 cytokine is important. It belongs to cytokine superfamily which includes leukemia inhibitory factor, oncostatin M, ciliary neurotrophic factor and IL11. In normal person it is secreted mainly by TH2 cells, monocytes, macrophages, activated B cells and endothelial cells. It has a synergistic action with IL1,TNFα and produces acute phase response, B cell proliferation and differentiation, immunoglobulin production and hematopoiesis. This cytokine is not only responsible for proliferation of MM cells but also produces destruction of bone. Contrary to it IL4, cytokine, secreted by TH2 cells have been found to be decreased in myeloma. In normal person IL4 produces proliferation of TH2 cell, B Cells, mast cell, eosinophil and isotype switching to IgE production. Hence we can conclude that MM shows elevated IL6 and decreased IL4. In future treatment with antiIL6 and recombinant IL4 can be tried to treat MM Patients.