OBJECTIVETo investigate the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in tissue or plasma and its clinical implications in different types of lymphoma.

METHODSThe levels of TNF-α in paraffin tissue or plasma samples were detected by immunohistochemistry or ELISA assay in 88 lymphoma patients and 88 healthy controls. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to identify the correlation between Ann Ardor stage, blood cells count, bone marrow abnormalities, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum ferritin and TNF-α expression.

RESULTSThe levels of TNF-α had significant difference in different types of lymphoma (P<0.05). High positive and levels in Hodgkin lymphoma [HL, 72.72% and (43.12±15.28) ng/L], aggressive non-HL [NHL, 67.86% and (40.73±16.65) ng/L], and indolent NHL [57.14% and (53.18±20.47) ng/L]. Cox regression analysis showed that Ann Ardor stage, bone marrow abnormalities, ESR, and the levels of TNF-α were independent risk factors for lymphoma with poor prognosis.

CONCLUSIONAs an independent factor, TNF-α may play a role in the development of lymphoma and is an important prognostic factor.