Abnormal bone remodelling and increased levels of macrophage inflammatory protein‐1 alpha (MIP‐1α) in Waldenström macroglobulinaemia

Summary Serum levels of macrophage inflammatory protein‐1 alpha (MIP‐1α) and bone remodelling markers were evaluated in 38 patients with Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM) and correlated with clinical and laboratory variables. MIP‐1α was elevated in WM; untreated patients had higher MIP‐1α levels than patients in remission or with active disease after treatment. MIP‐1α correlated with increased bone resorption, β2‐microglobulin and splenomegaly. Receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand serum levels were elevated in WM patients; the subsequent increased bone resorption was balanced by a comparable elevation of osteoprotegerin production and bone formation. These findings may explain the absence of lytic lesions in WM patients and suggest a potential role of MIP‐1α in WM.