The role of the tumor-suppressive microRNA-370 and microRNA-29b in acute myeloid leukemia

Abstract

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that play important roles as diagnostic and prognostic markers in malignancy. They have diverse effects in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), mainly as tumor suppressors and occasionally provoke the disease. Aim The aim of this research was to study the expressions of both miRNA-370 and miRNA-29b in de-novo AML Egyptian patients and correlate their expression with clinical and laboratory parameters. Patients and methods This is a case–control study that was conducted in Alexandria Main University Hospital, Alexandria University. MiRNA quantification by real-time PCR was conducted on 30 de-novo AML patients admitted to the hematology unit of internal medicine department. Their age ranged between 13 and 63 years. Their results were compared with 10 age-matched and sex-matched controls. Descriptive statistics was performed using SPSS statistics software. Results Both miRNA-370 and miRNA-29b were significantly downregulated in AML patients (P=0.011 and 0.015, respectively). There was significant positive correlation between the expressions of miRNA-370 and miRNA-29b in AML patients (P=0.003). Neither miRNAs showed significant correlation with FAB subtypes. Moreover, miRNA-370 expression was significantly negatively correlated with the age of the patients (P=0.034) − that is, the older the patient the lower the expression level of miRNA-370. Conclusion There was a significant down-regulation of both miRNA-370 and miRNA-29b in de-novo AML patients. The positive correlation between both miRNA expressions might point to their potential roles as tumor suppressors.