Reactive and clonal thrombocytosis: Proinflammatory and hematopoietic cytokines and acute phase proteins

Background. We quantitated proinflammatory and thrombopoietic cytokines in reactive thrombocytosis (RT) and clonal thrombocytosis (CT) to identify a c ytokine profile that might aid in the distinction of these two disorders. Methods. Serum levels of cytokines relevant to platelet biology-interleukin s 3, 6, 11, and 1 beta; thrombopoietin; tumor necrosis factor alpha; and C- reactive protein (CRP)-were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay i n healthy subjects and in patients with CT and RT. Results. Interleukin-6 and CRP levels were higher in RT patients than in co ntrols or CT patients. Interleukin 1 beta levels were higher in the RT grou p than in the CT and control groups. Conclusions. In RT, IL-6, IL-1 beta, and CRP levels are elevated. In both R T and CT, IL-11 is elevated, but thrombopoietin levels are not.