Serum and Pleural Fluid Megakaryocyte Potentiating Factor: A Promising Marker for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Background: The Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a tumor which originates from the mesothelium, connected to asbestos exposure. Early diagnosis is a pivotal element in managing MPM. Serum biomarkers associated with these tum-ors, including megakaryocyte potentiating factors (MPF) and soluble mesothelin (SM), are crucial in managing MPM. Aim of Study: We investigated the MPF levels in both ma-lignant effusion (ME) and non-ME in serum and pleural Fluid (PF). Patients and Methods: The study comprised 50 sub-jects, who were categorized into: 17 MPM subjects; 17 with non-mesothelioma ME; 16 with benign exudative effusion. Each underwent a comprehensive clinical examination and history-taking, along with standard laboratory testing, chest computed tomography (CT) scan, aspiration of PF, biopsy from the pleura, and collection of both PF and serum samples for measuring MPF levels. Results: Compared with various diagnoses, such as inflam-matory and metastatic effusions, MPF concentrations showed a significant increase within the pleural effusion (PE) and se-rum of MPM patients. The mean MPF concentrations detect-ed in serum and PF from patients with epithelial and biphasic mesothelioma showed no significant difference. In serum and PF of lung cancer individuals, the mean MPF levels detected were not significantly different from those of individuals with malignancies of various origins in the metastatic group. In the tuberculous effusion group, the mean MPF levels detected did not significantly differ from those in the nonspecific inflam-matory group within the inflammatory groupin PE and serum. Compared to the inflammatory type, the mean MPF levels in serum and PF exhibited a significant elevation in malignant PE. Conclusion: MPF marker has the potential to be utilized in distinguishing MPM from PEs of inflammatory or metastatic nature.