A Systematic Review of the Literature and Perspectives on the Role of Biomarkers in the Management of Malnutrition After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Front Immunol. 2021 Jan 6:11:535890. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.535890. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

Malnutrition is a common problem after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and could impair immune function. Immune dysfunction after allo-HSCT may be linked with infections, GVHD, and relapse and negatively affect the outcome. Aim of this review was to identify malnutrition biomarkers, potentially useful for immune-system monitoring, in the setting of allo-HSCT. After a systematic search, no satisfying biomarker was found, except for citrulline. Citrulline could be useful in monitoring gastrointestinal function after allo-HSCT and its role in the complex relationship with immune-system function ought to be better explored. A multi-omics approach, including biomarkers and PRO (patient reported outcomes) is, in our opinion, the optimal way to study the relationship between malnutrition and transplant outcomes.

Keywords: biomarker; citrulline; graft versus host disease; insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1); malnutrition (MeSH).

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Citrulline* / blood
  • Citrulline* / immunology
  • Graft vs Host Disease* / blood
  • Graft vs Host Disease* / immunology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Malnutrition* / blood
  • Malnutrition* / immunology
  • Transplantation, Homologous

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Citrulline