Alteration of Serum 25(OH) Vitamin D, Vitamin D Binding Protein, and C-reactive Protein Levels in Acute Leukemia Patients.

BACKGROUND: Acute leukemia is a common hematologic malignancy with poorly differentiated leukocytes. Alteration of circulating vitamin D (VD) and its carrier vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) have been reported in certain types of cancers and may play a role in the course of the disease. Understanding of the status of serum VD and VDBP, as well as the acute phase protein C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in pre- and post-treatment of acute leukemia patients, may be helpful in the management of acute leukemia. METHODS: Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), chemiluminescence immunoassay, and immunofluorescent assay were used to analyze the 25(OH) vitamin D (25(OH)D), VDBP, and CRP in the serum of a cohort of leukemia patients. RESULTS: Serum 25(OH)D levels in patients (pre- and post-treatment) were significantly lower than in control subjects. There was no significant difference in 25(OH)D levels between pre- and post-treatment. Serum VDBP level was raised in both pre- and post-treatment of acute leukemia patients, with that of pre-treatment being higher. The average serum VDBP was reduced in post-treatment; however, no significant difference was found. Elevated serum CRP levels in both pre- and post-treatment patient groups have been observed but were reduced significantly after treatment. Results also revealed that serum VDBP levels in acute myeloid leukemia patients were significantly higher than in acute lymphoid leukemia patients, while 25(OH)D levels in acute myeloid leukemia were significantly lower than in acute lymphoid leukemia. No significant difference between the serum CRP levels of acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoid leukemia was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Serum 25(OH)D, VDBP, and CRP may be used together and could be potential indicators of the disease course of acute leukemia and assist in its management which merits further investigation.