Affiliations: [a] Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt | [b] Department of Internal Medicine-Clinical Hematology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Hala O. El-Mesallamy, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abassia 11566, Cairo, Egypt. E-mail:hala.elmesallamy@hotmail.com
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Beclin-1, an important autophagic gene, and
hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), the master regulator
of the hypoxic response, are reported in several human cancers. However,
their expressions in acute leukemia haven't yet been well investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the gene
expression of beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein-1 light chain-3B
(MAB1LC3B), the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2, and HIF-1α, as well as
to evaluate the relationship between their expressions profile and prognosis
in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) adult
patients. METHODS: The study involved 30 AML patients, 25 ALL patients, and
20 controls. Gene expression was analyzed using quantitative reverse
transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR). RESULTS: In both AML and ALL groups, beclin-1 and MAB1LC3B
expressions were significantly down-regulated (p < 0.001), while HIF-1α
(p < 0.01) and Bcl-2 (p < 0.001) expressions were significantly
up-regulated compared to the control group. HIF-1α fold expression
was significantly negatively correlated with beclin-1 (p < 0.01). Moreover,
decreased beclin-1 gene expression and increased HIF-1α gene
expression were both associated with poor survival, supporting their pivotal
role in the development and progression of acute leukemia. CONCLUSIONS: Both Beclin-1 and HIF-1α could be considered
as important biomarkers determinants of pathogenesis and survival in acute
leukemia.
