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Study of blood lipids in 30 children with a malignant hematological disease or carcinoma
Insights
Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia showed elevated triglycerides and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) at diagnosis. Lipid profiles normalized with remission, indicating a link between cancer and lipid metabolism in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Hematology
Background:
- Malignant hematological diseases and solid tumors can affect various physiological parameters in children.
- Lipid metabolism disturbances are sometimes observed in cancer patients, but pediatric data is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate lipid profile alterations in children diagnosed with malignant hematological diseases or solid tumors.
- To determine the relationship between specific lipid fractions (triglycerides, cholesterol, VLDL, LDL, HDL, chylomicrons) and cancer type/progression.
Main Methods:
- Lipid levels (total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides) were measured in 30 pediatric cancer patients.
- Lipoprotein fractions (chylomicrons, VLDL, LDL, HDL) were separated using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
- Lipid profiles were monitored during diagnosis, remission, and relapse phases.
Main Results:
- Nine of 13 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) exhibited increased triglycerides and VLDL at diagnosis; other lipids remained normal.
- Lipid profiles normalized upon achieving hematological remission in ALL patients.
- Similar, though less frequent, lipid abnormalities were noted in acute myeloblastic leukemia and lymphoma patients.
- No lipid profile abnormalities were observed in patients with solid tumors or histiocytosis X.
Conclusions:
- Elevated triglycerides and VLDL are associated with the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children.
- These lipid alterations appear to be transient, resolving with successful cancer treatment and remission.
- The findings suggest an endogenous metabolic disturbance linked to lymphoid proliferation in pediatric leukemia.
Abstract:
Levels of total lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides were followed in 30 children with malignant hematological diseases, or solid tumors; in addition, chylomicrons, VLDL, LDL and HDL were separated by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel. Nine of the 13 children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia presented an increase of triglycerides and VLDL at time of diagnosis; all other parameters (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, chylomicrons) were normal. The lipid profile went back quickly to normal when hematological remission was obtained and remained stable throughout the course of the disease whatever the evolution might be. Five more patients in relapse were studied and did not present abnormalities. Similar results were obtained in 1/2 patients with acute myeloblastic leukaemia and in 3/5 patients with lymphoma. No lipid profile abnormality was observed in four patients with solid tumor and in one patient with histiocytosis X. The values of triglycerides and VLDL in pathological cases will be given. The endogenous nature of this disturbance is discussed as well as its relation with the rate of malignant lymphoid proliferation.
