Modulation of IL-4 level by fludarabine and its relation to apoptosis in chronic B-cell lymphocytic leukemia.

Unlabelled: Accumulation of malignant B-lymphocytes in chronic B-cell lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is mainly attributed to reduced apoptosis rather than increased proliferation rate. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) has been proved to be involved in the survival mechanisms of B-cells as well as protection of B-CLL cells against spontaneous or drug induced apoptosis. Fludarabine is one of purine analogs and the current standard treatment for B-CLL, which has been proved to induce apoptosis in normal and malignant lymphocytes.