Concentration of MMP-9, TNF-a and IL-6 in patients with tumors and tumor-like bone lesions

Aim: to determine the concentration of MMP-9, TNF-a and IL-6 in blood serum of patients with benign and malignant bone tumors and feasibility of cytokine data use for differential diagnostics of the neoplastic process nature. Material and Methods. Levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in blood serum were determined by the immunoenzyme method in 64 patients with bone tissue neoplasms (fibrous dysplasia, osteocystoma, giant-cell tumor, osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, bone metastases, multiple myeloma). Re-sults. MMP-9 level was heightened in patients suffered from chondrosarcoma and multiple myeloma. TNF-a and IL-6 expression was increased in cases with bone metastases. MMP-9, TNF-a and IL-6 levels were higher in cases with malignant bone neoplasms than in cases with benign bone tumors. Conclusion. MMP-9, TNF-a and IL-6 participate in the neoplastic process pathogenesis directly. Nevertheless it is too early to speak about the diagnostic value of the cytokines in cases with tumorous bone affection.