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Abstract Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) microenvironment is responsible for the resistance of leukemic cells to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, altered adhesion, increased proliferation and leukemic cells growth and survival through the secretion of many soluble molecules. This study aimed at monitoring soluble L-selectin (sCD62L) and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) levels in patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP-CML) and assessing the impact of imatinib on these aforementioned parameters. This controlled parallel clinical trial included thirty-five subjects who were classified into two groups: group I (control group): which included ten healthy volunteers and group II (CP-CML patients group): which included twenty-five newly diagnosed patients with CP-CML who received imatinib 400 mg once daily. The studied parameters were sCD62L plasma levels, SPARC serum levels, breakpoint cluster region-Abelson1% (BCR-ABL1%), complete and differential blood count, liver and kidney functions parameters. These parameters were assessed three times; at baseline and three and six months after imatinib treatment. In addition, spleen size was assessed and Sokal risk score was calculated at baseline. At baseline, sCD62L and SPARC levels were significantly elevated in patients with CP-CML (P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively) as compared to the healthy control group. Three months after treatment, sCD62L level was non-significantly decreased (P = 0.079), while surprisingly SPARC level was significantly increased (P = 0.004) as compared to their baseline levels. Moreover, six months after treatment, sCD62L level was significantly decreased (P = 0.001), while SPARC level was non-significantly decreased (P = 0.24) as compared to their baseline levels. In addition, sCD62L level was positively and significantly correlated with white blood cells (WBCs) and neutrophils counts, while SPARC level was positively and significantly correlated with lymphocytes count at baseline and three and six months after imatinib treatment. The elevated levels of sCD62L and SPARC at diagnosis in patients with CP-CML may refer to their participation in the pathogenesis of CML, and the dynamic changes in their levels during imatinib treatment may suppose an additional mechanism of action of imatinib by restoring normal adhesion besides the inhibition of BCR-ABL. Furthermore, imatinib showed a significant impact on sCD62L and SPARC levels during the treatment period. Clinical trial registration identifier: NCT05387330. Keywords: Soluble L-selectin; sCD62L; SPARC; chronic myeloid leukemia; Imatinib. |