Abstract :
The levels of the soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sTNFR) type I and II were measured in patients with aplastic anemia (ApA) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). sTNFRI was significantly increased in patients with MDS, and sTNFRII was significantly increased in patients with ApA and MDS. We previously showed an increased TNF-α production by activated peripheral blood mononucelar cells in patients with ApA (Am J Hematol 37:75, 1991), and about increased levels of soluble Fas antigen in patients with MDS but not with ApA (Int J Hematol 65:413, 1997). We also showed a decreased expression of the Fas ligand on peripheral blood mononucelar cells and undetectable level of the soluble Fas ligand in patients with ApA and MDS (Am J Hematol 62:124, 1999). These results suggested the activation of the TNF receptor system, especially involving TNFRII, by the cell-mediated immunity for the pathogenesis of pancytopenia in these disorders.
