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Published on: October 26, 2017
Clinical impact of circulating microRNAs as blood-based marker in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Menha Swellam1, Nashwa El-Khazragy2
1Department of Biochemistry, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Division, National Research Centre, Giza, 12622, Dokki, Egypt. menha_m_swellam@yahoo.com.
Abstract:
Aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression participates in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This study aimed to investigate the expression of miRNA-100, miRNA-196a, and miRNA-146a among childhood ALL and study their correlation with other hematological parameters and different phenotypes. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMNCs) were obtained from 85 childhood ALL and 25 healthy children for the detection of miRNA expression using quantitative real-time PCR. Significant higher median levels were reported for ALL compared to control children. The diagnostic efficacy for miRNA-146a was superior as both sensitivity and specificity were absolute. A significant correlation was observed between higher expression of miRNA-100 and lower platelet and lymphocyte counts; high expression of miRNA-146a showed significant correlation with low total leukocyte count (TLC) and lymphocyte counts. Significant relation was reported between studied miRNAs and different phenotyping. miRNA-100, miRNA-196a, and miRNA-146a have significant role in childhood ALL leukemogenesis, and they may be useful as biological diagnostic molecular markers.
Insights
Aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression is linked to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Specific miRNAs (miRNA-100, miRNA-196a, miRNA-146a) show altered levels in ALL patients, potentially serving as diagnostic markers.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression is implicated in the pathogenesis of various cancers, including childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
- Specific miRNAs, such as miRNA-100, miRNA-196a, and miRNA-146a, have been suggested to play roles in leukemogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression levels of miRNA-100, miRNA-196a, and miRNA-146a in children diagnosed with ALL.
- To explore the correlation between the expression of these miRNAs and hematological parameters.
- To assess the relationship between miRNA expression and different ALL phenotypes.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time PCR was employed to detect miRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMNCs).
- Samples were collected from 85 children with ALL and 25 healthy children.
- Statistical analyses were performed to correlate miRNA levels with clinical and hematological data.
Main Results:
- Median levels of the studied miRNAs were significantly higher in children with ALL compared to healthy controls.
- miRNA-146a demonstrated superior diagnostic efficacy with absolute sensitivity and specificity.
- Higher expression of miRNA-100 correlated with lower platelet and lymphocyte counts, while high miRNA-146a expression was associated with low total leukocyte count (TLC) and lymphocyte counts.
- Significant associations were found between the studied miRNAs and various ALL phenotypes.
Conclusions:
- miRNA-100, miRNA-196a, and miRNA-146a play a significant role in the leukemogenesis of childhood ALL.
- These miRNAs may serve as valuable biological diagnostic molecular markers for childhood ALL.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying their involvement in ALL.
