Correlation and prognostic value of serum beta-2 microglobulin, thymidine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

ABSTRACT

The correlation between the serum levels of beta-2 microglobulin [beta-2 M], thymidine kinase [TK], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] and its isoenzymes [LD1-5] as well as their relationship with liver function parameters were analyzed in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A significant increase in the mean values of serum beta-2 M, TK, total LDH, LD1, LD2, LD3, LD4, AST, ALP and GGT was found. Levels of LD5 and LD1/LD2 ratio showed a significant decrease. Correlation analyses showed an inverse correlation between beta-2 M and LD3 and a positive correlation between LDH, TK, LD2, LD3, LD4 and AST. It was concluded that using a combination of beta-2 M, TK, LDH and its isoenzymes could be used as useful markers for the activity of the proliferating tumor cells and that some alterations in the LDH isoenzymes pattern may help in refining the prognostic value of total LDH