OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical application value of serum light chain (sLC) in the diagnosis and therapeutic efficacy evaluation for multiple myeloma. METHODS: 46 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma were selected as MM group and 50 healthy persons as control group. Rate scattering immunoturbidimetry was used to detect serum light chain and immunoglobulin (Ig) in two groups, serum protein electrophoresis was used to detect M protein by agarose gel. Then, the sensitivity and specificity of the two methods in MM diagnosis were analyzed and compared, and the significance of sLC detection in MM diagnosis were discussed. In addition, 15 MM patients after received conventional therapy were tracked, sLC levels in five different therapentic times were recorded, and the effect of sLC in efficacy evaluation of MM was analyzed. RESULTS: There were 11 cases of IgA type, 15 cases of IgG type, 8 cases of light chain κ type, 8 cases of light chain λ type, 2 cases of IgD type, and 2 cases of non-secretion type. The sLC-κ, sLC-λ and their ratio (including light chain type and double clone type), IgA and IgG (except IgD type), as well as albumin, beta-globulin and gamma-globulin levels showed statistically significant differences (P＜0.05) compared with the control group. The sensitivity of serum protein electrophoresis, Ig quantification, sLC and its ratio in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma were 57%, 76% and 65%, and their specificity were 83%, 61% and 90%, respectively. After the second or third chemotherapy, the sLC-κ/λ ratio gradually approached the normal range as the disease reliefes, and the sLC-κ/λ ratio continued to be on or off the line at outliers or further away from the reference value as the disease progresses in MM patients with κ type or λ type. CONCLUSION sLC detection shows positive significance in early diagnosis of multiple myeloma, SLC monitoring can be used for the efficacy evaluation for treatment of MM patients.
Humans ; Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains ; Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains ; Multiple Myeloma ; diagnosis

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical significance of serum free light chain (sFLC) and sFLC-κ/λ ratio in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM), so as to provide the theoretical basis for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of MM patients. METHODS: A total of 43 patients newly diagnosed as MM in our hospital and 40 cases of other diseases that could cause sFLC increase were selcted. The clinical features of newly diagnosed MM patients were analyzed. On the basis of the type of sFLC, MM patients were divided into sFLC-κ and sFLC-λ group. The correlation of sFLC with clinical index in two groups was analyzed. The difference of sFLC-κ/λ ratio between MM and non-MM patients was analyzed. According to whether the involved/uninvolved sFLC ratio was greater than 100, the MM patients were divided into the low ratio and the high ratio group. The clinical index of these 2 groups were analyzed. RESULTS: Among MM patients, IgG type was the most. In sFLC-κ and -λ groups, the hemoglobin level negatively correlated with sFLC (r=-0.307, r=-0.494, P＜0.05), and the serum β2 microglobulin level positively correlated with sFLC (r=0.453, r=0.689, P＜0.05), and myeloma cells ratio also positively correlated with sFLC (r=0.307, r=0.309, P＜0.05). The concentration of albumin, lactate dehydrogenase and serum calcium did not correlate with sFLC (P＞0.05). The serum creatinine level also did not correlate with sFLC in the sFLC-κ group (P＞0.05), but in the sFLC-λ group they were obviously positive (r=0.697, P＜0.01). The ratio of sFLC-κ/λ ＜0.26 or ＞1.65 in MM patients was higher than that of non-MM patients, and the ratio of involved/uninvolved sFLC≥100 in MM patients was also higher than that of non-MM patients with statistically significant differences (P＜0.01). The levels of serum albumin, creatinine and β2 microglobulin, as well as myeloma cell ratio and ISS international staging of the patients between 2 groups were significantly different (P＜0.05), while the differences in sex, age and levels of hemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase and blood calcium were not significant between the 2 groups (P＞0.05). CONCLUSION The light chain type λ in MM patients correlates with renal damage. The abnormalities of sFLC-κ/λ ratio occur mostly in MM patients. The MM patients with involved/uninvolosed sFLC ratio ≥100 show the severe symptoms and poor prognosis.
Humans ; Immunoglobulin Light Chains ; Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains ; Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; Multiple Myeloma ; Prognosis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the comparability of the Freelite, Binding Site, Beckman and N Latex FLC, Siemens in the detection of serum free light chain (sFLC) . METHODS: Fifty newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients in Tianjin Institute of Blood Research from November 2019 to February 2020 were enrolled. The two systems (Freelite, Binding Site, Beckman and N Latex FLC, Siemens) were used to detect the sFLC of the samples. Outlier detection was performed by ESD method, methodological comparison and deviation assessment were performed by Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman regression. RESULTS: Both the systems could quantitatively analyze free kappa light chain serum samples and free lambda light chain samples. Freelite, Binding Site, Beckman and N Latex FLC, Siemens free light chain test showed FLC-κ：36.5 (6.5, 194), 40.5 (6.94, 288), FLC-λ: 30.1 (4.3, 170.5), 35.1 (2.28, 526), rFLC (FLC-κ/ FLC-λ) : 0.82 (0.05, 43.25), 1.03 (0.03, 32.04), dFLC (｜FLC-κ- FLC-λ｜) : -5.8 (-161.97, 183.7), 1.1 (-505.1, 279.01), which existed no outliers. There were systematic differences, and the deviation level was not within the clinically acceptable range. CONCLUSION Both the systems can meet the needs of clinical diagnosis and treatment, but there is a significant deviation between the two systems, the results are not comparable, and should be analyzed separately. In particular, the same system should be selected for monitoring the prognosis of MM.
Humans ; Immunoglobulin Light Chains ; Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains ; Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains ; Latex ; Multiple Myeloma/diagnosis*

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical significance of serum free light chain (sFLC) detection in light chain multiple myeloma (LCMM).

METHODSA total of 37 newly diagnosed LCMM patients were enrolled in this study, including 17 patients with k light chain type and 20 patients with λ light chain type, the sFLC and 24 hours urine light chain (ULC) were measured before and after chemotherapy. The correlation of sFLC level with ULC and renal impairment was analyzed.

RESULTSAll the patients displayed an abnormally increased level of sFLC at diagnosis wtih median value of 105.44 mg/L and 146.39 mg/L for k and λ light chain types, respectively. The sFLC did not correlate with ULC before and after chemotherapy. Among the 12 patients with very good partial remission and normal ULC level, the sFLC still was abnormally increased in 8 patients. Renal impairment was associated with the urine λ-type light chain, and the area under the ROC curve of urine λ light chain at diagnosis is 0.792 (P = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONAll patients with LCMM show an abnormally increased level of sFLC at diagnosis. sFLC can be used to monitor the response to chemotherapy because it is more sensitive for analysis of therapeutic effect than urine λ light chain.

Humans ; Immunoglobulin Light Chains ; blood ; Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains ; blood ; Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains ; blood ; Multiple Myeloma ; blood ; drug therapy ; Renal Insufficiency

Abdominal Pain/etiology* ; Amyloidosis/diagnosis* ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis/complications* ; Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains

BACKGROUND: Plasma cell cheilitis is an unusual benign plasma cell proliferative disease of an unknown etiology that typically presents on the lip. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of 13 cases of plasma cell cheilitis. METHODS: The present study investigated the clinical manifestations, treatment modalities, and outcome of 13 patients diagnosed with plasma cell cheilitis from 2011 to 2016 at Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital and Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital. Biopsy specimens of the all cases were evaluated using conventional hematoxylin and eosin staining with kappa and lambda immunoglobulin light chain immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The age of the patients ranged from 39 to 86 years (mean, 64.7 years), with male predominance. Histopathologically, 61.5% and 38.5% of patients showed band-like and pan dermal plasmacytic infiltrates, respectively. Eosinophilic infiltration was noted in 69.2% of patients. All cases showed both kappa and lambda immunoglobulin light chain reactivities, and kappa predominance was confirmed in 9 patients (69.2%). A majority of the patients was treated with local therapy, such as intralesional steroid injection with topical tacrolimus. Among the 13 patients, plasma cell cheilitis completely resolved, partially resolved, and recurred in 3 (23.1%), 5 (38.5%), and 5 patients (38.5%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Plasma cell cheilitis presented as erosive edematous circumscribed patches or plaques affecting mainly the lower lip of elderly male patients. The majority of histopathology cases showed characteristic plasma cell aggregation on the upper dermis that was immunopositive for immunoglobulin light chain, with kappa predominance.
Aged ; Biopsy ; Cheilitis* ; Dermis ; Eosine Yellowish-(YS) ; Eosinophils ; Heart ; Hematoxylin ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains ; Immunoglobulin Light Chains ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lip ; Male ; Plasma Cells* ; Plasma* ; Tacrolimus

A 70-yr-old woman was hospitalized with a history of dry cough. Bronchial endoscopy and transbronchial lung biopsy were performed. However, the findings of histopathology and immunohistochemistry were not sufficient to decide whether the lesion was benign or malignant, because of the presence of crush artifacts in the biopsy specimens. We performed B-cell clonality studies using BIOMED-2 multiplex PCR (InVivoScribe Technologies, USA) to detect clonal rearrangements in the immunoglobulin gene. The results of multiplex PCR showed clonal rearrangements of both kappa and lambda immunoglobulin light chain genes. The findings of immunochemistry revealed that the lesion expressed lambda light chain, but not kappa light chain. Based on the clinical, pathologic, and molecular findings, this case was diagnosed as pulmonary MALT lymphoma. We report the first case in Korea of lambda-expressing MALT lymphoma that is shown to have dual clonal rearrangements of kappa and lambda immunoglobulin light chain gene by multiplex PCR.
Aged ; Female ; *Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte, Light Chain ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains/*genetics ; Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains/*genetics ; Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone/*diagnosis/genetics/pathology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

The objective of this study was to explore the clinical significance of measuring serum free light chains (sFLC) and to compare with serum total light chains (free and binded) in multiple myeloma (MM). sFLC in 20 newly diagnosed MM patients and 20 cases of healthy people as control were measured by immuno-nephelometric assays; the serum light chains and kappa/lambda ratio were measured in all patients, while immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) tests were carried out at the same time in 18 out of 20 patients. The results showed that the abnormality of serum free light chains and kappa/lambda ratio were found in all of the 20 newly diagnosed MM patients (p < 0.01). The measurement of sFLC showed higher sensitivity than the total serum chains (p < 0.01). It is concluded that the method testing sFLC by immuno-nephelometric assay combined with kappa/lambda ratio is valuable for MM diagnosis, and the measurement of sFLC can be used as one of indicators for MM diagnosis.
Adult ; Aged ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains ; blood ; Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Myeloma ; blood

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of immunoglobulin light chain kappa and lambda (Igkappa and Iglambda) in gastric carcinoma cell and their co-expression.

METHODSIgkappa and Iglambda of 22 human gastric carcinoma specimens embedded in paraffin were monitored through immunohistochemical method-LSAB method.

RESULTSAmong 22 gastric carcinoma specimens, both Igkappa and Iglambda were positive in 17 (77.3%), only Igkappa was positive in 2 (9.1%), only Iglambda was positive in 1 (4.5%), both Igkappa and Iglambda negative in 2 (9.1%). The expression of Igkappa and Iglambda in human gastric carcinoma cell showed significant close correlation (chi(2) = 5.49, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCo-expression of immunoglobulin light chain kappa and lambda in gastric carcinoma cell is common, which suggests that the activation mechanism of immunoglobulin gene in gastric carcinoma cell may be different from that in B-lymphocytes. Study on co-expression of immunoglobulin light chain kappa and lambda in gastric carcinoma is promising.

Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte, Light Chain ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Immunohistochemistry ; Stomach Neoplasms ; immunology ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the pathologic features and diagnostic algorithm of light chain nephropathy (LCN).

METHODSSeven cases of LCN were studied by light microscopy, electron microscopy and immunolabeling of light chains (kappa, lambda) by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy.

RESULTSThe histopathology of 7 cases by light microscopy was variable, with 3 cases showing nodular glomerulosclerosis, 1 case showing mild to moderate mesangial proliferation, and 3 cases showing cast nephropathy with minimal glomerular change. Immunofluorescence study revealed positive staining of a single type of light chain in mesangium (nodular pattern) or along glomerular basement membrane (linear), along tubular basement membrane and around arteriolar walls in all the 7 cases. Ultrastructurally, electron-dense granular deposits were identified in mesangium, subendothelial aspect of glomerular basement membrane, outer aspect of tubular basement membrane and arteriolar walls. Immunogold labeling of light chains showed distinct labeling of a single type light chain in the granular electron-dense materials (5 cases being kappa-positive and 2 being lambda-positive).

CONCLUSIONSLCN typically shows nodular glomerulosclerosis. The ultrastructural change is characteristic and important for diagnosis. Immunolabeling of light chains by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy carries further diagnostic value, especially in cases with minimal light microscopic change.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental ; immunology ; pathology ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin Light Chains ; immunology ; Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains ; immunology ; Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains ; immunology ; Kidney Diseases ; immunology ; pathology ; Kidney Glomerulus ; immunology ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Male ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Microscopy, Immunoelectron ; Middle Aged