Dysregulation in T helper 1/T helper 2 cytokine ratios in patients with multiple myeloma.

We have assessed alterations of Th1 and Th2 derived cytokines in the progression of multiple myeloma (MM) by determining their circulatory concentrations in patients with MM and healthy controls and correlated observations with grade and severity of the disease. The study group consisted of 112 subjects: 62 patients with MM and 50 healthy controls. Regarding serum levels of Th1 cytokines, IFN-gamma was significantly lower and IL-2 was non-significantly increased, while regarding levels of Th2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly elevated. Results of our study indicate that a marked polarization exists toward Th2 cytokines in MM while Th1 cytokines remain suppressed.