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 cytokine profile that might aid in the distinction of these two disorders. Methods. Serum levels of cytokines relevant to platelet biology-interleukins 3, 6, 11, and 1 beta; thrombopoietin; tumor necrosis factor alpha; and C-reactive protein (CRP)-were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in healthy subjects and in patients with CT and RT. Results. Interleukin-6 and CRP levels were higher in RT patients than in controls or CT patients. Interleukin 1 beta levels were higher in the RT group than in the CT and control groups. Conclusions. In RT, IL-6, IL-1 beta, and CRP levels are elevated. In both RT and CT, IL-11 is elevated, but thrombopoietin levels are not.