Decreased tetranectin in multiple myeloma.

Tetranectin, a recently described human protein widely distributed in the body and with possible importance for cell growth and differentiation, has previously been observed to be decreased in patients with solid malignant tumors. In patients with multiple myeloma, either untreated or previously treated, serum levels were found to be significantly reduced. A negligible interindividual variation was observed. Levels of serum tetranectin were not correlated with serum albumin, hemoglobin, or M-component. Low levels of tetranectin may be related to the growth and spread of malignant cells or reflect a general catabolic state of chronic disease.