Evaluating the Relationship of GDF-15 with Clinical Characteristics, Cardinal Features, and Survival in Multiple
Małgorzata Banaszkiewicz1, Jolanta Małyszko2, Krzysztof Batko1
1Chair and Department of Nephrology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland.
Abstract:
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, participates in processes associated with myeloma development and its end-organ complications. It plays a significant role in both physiological and abnormal erythropoiesis and regulates iron homeostasis through modulation of hepcidin. It is abnormally secreted in marrow stromal cells of patients with multiple myeloma (MM), which may reflect the tumor microenvironment. We analyzed the associations of serum GDF-15 with clinical characteristics of 73 MM patients (including asymptomatic MM) and the laboratory indices of renal function, anemia, and inflammation. Baseline serum GDF-15 was studied as the predictor of two-year survival. We defined five clinically relevant subgroups of patients (symptomatic MM only, patients with and without remission, patients on chemotherapy, and without treatment). Increased GDF-15 concentrations were associated with more advanced MM stage, anemia, renal impairment (lower glomerular filtration and higher markers of tubular injury), and inflammation. Most of the results were confirmed in the subgroup analysis. Serum cystatin C and urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin were associated with GDF-15 independently of other variables. In the studied MM patients, GDF-15 did not significantly predict survival (p = 0.06). Our results suggest that serum GDF-15 reflects myeloma burden and shares a relationship with several markers of prognostic significance, as well as major manifestations.
Insights
Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF-15) is linked to multiple myeloma progression, anemia, and kidney issues. While it reflects disease burden, GDF-15 did not significantly predict survival in this patient cohort.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hematology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF-15) is a TGF-β superfamily member involved in myeloma development.
- GDF-15 influences erythropoiesis and iron homeostasis via hepcidin regulation.
- Abnormal GDF-15 secretion in myeloma bone marrow suggests a role in the tumor microenvironment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze associations between serum GDF-15 and clinical characteristics in multiple myeloma (MM) patients.
- To evaluate GDF-15 as a predictor of two-year survival in MM.
- To explore the relationship between GDF-15 and markers of renal function, anemia, and inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Serum GDF-15 levels were measured in 73 MM patients, including asymptomatic cases.
- Associations with clinical data and laboratory indices (renal function, anemia, inflammation) were analyzed.
- Subgroup analyses were performed across defined clinical MM categories.
Main Results:
- Elevated serum GDF-15 correlated with advanced MM stage, anemia, renal impairment, and inflammation.
- Serum cystatin C and urine NGAL showed independent associations with GDF-15.
- GDF-15 did not significantly predict two-year survival (p=0.06).
Conclusions:
- Serum GDF-15 reflects multiple myeloma burden and prognostic markers.
- GDF-15 is associated with key MM manifestations like anemia and renal dysfunction.
- Further research may clarify the prognostic role of GDF-15 in MM.
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