[Pro-inflammatory cytokines: a pathogenic key of POEMS syndrome]

The Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, M protein, Skin changes (POMEMS) syndrome is a rare multisystem disorder of obscure pathogenesis, associated with osteosclerotic myeloma. Unlike multiple myeloma without neuropathy, circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha IL-6) are increased in patients with POEMS syndrome. Sites of IL-1 beta production include lymph node and bone marrow tissues. These data support the view that pleiotropic effects of proinflammatory cytokines released secondary to a strong activation of the monocyte/macrophage system, take part in the multisystemic expression of the disease.