Assessment of BAALC Gene Expression in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients Compared to Control Group in North-East of Iran

Abstract

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is recognized as one of the most common types of leukemia among adults. This condition is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of myeloid progenitors, affecting the normal function of different systems in the human body. Various factors such as genetic abnormalities, exposure to chemicals, and viruses can induce AML. Expression of NPM1, CEBPA, MN1, and BAALC genes is among important genetic factors affecting AML prognosis and diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess amount of BAALC gene expression in AML patients and its relation to survival rate. This case-control study was performed at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. 56 AML patients and 56 healthy individuals were participated in this research. The level of BAALC gene expression was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method; GPI gene was used as the control. For statistical analysis, SPSS version 21 was applied. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. In total, 55.3 and 44.7 of the participants were male and female, respectively. BAALC gene up- and down-regulation was reported in 28.6 and 71.4 of AML cases, respectively. BAALC gene expression and hematological parameters were significantly different between the two groups (p< 0.05). Based on the findings, the survival rate was estimated at 31 and 39 months in patients with BAALC up- and down-regulation, respectively. BAALC gene over expression could be considered as a predictive factor for poor prognosis and reduced survival in AML patients. © 2017, UHOD - Uluslararasi Hematoloji Onkoloji Dergisi. All rights reserved.