[ relationship between FLT3 mutations and complete remission of AML patients referring to Shariati hospital]

FLT3 gene is a member of class III receptor Tyrosine Kinase, which is expressed in most patients with acute myeloid leukemia [AML]. Mutations of FLT3 such as Internal Tandem Duplication [ITD] and point mutation of the D835 are the most common genetic defects in myeloid leukemia. These two mutations in patients with MLA and their effect on survival rate were studied for the first time in Iran. DNA was extracted from the blood or bone marrow samples of 100 patients with AML from October 2008 to September 2009. For further analysis, PCR was performed to determine the prevalence of these mutations and their association with prognosis. Moreover, t and x[2] statistical tests were applied for data analysis. According to the results, 15% of patients revealed FLT3-ITD mutations and 8% showed mutation of D835 in FLT3 gene. In terms of achieving complete remission [CR], patients with mutation of ITD had more chance than those without such mutation [83.5% versus 53.3%]. The white blood cell count was significantly higher in the ITD[+] [mean = 73,646/ml] than ITD[-] patients [mean = 26,580/ml]. The results indicate that FLT3-ITD mutations may reduce the chances of Complete Remission [CR] in patients; however, FLT3-ITD mutation is an important factor in selecting appropriate treatment

[Investigating the relationship between miR210 upregulation and hemoglobin gamma chain expression]

Background and Aim: Micro RNAs are a group of small non-coding RNAs which play an important role in multiple processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and cancer. Recent studies indicate that mir-210 is overexpressed into erythroid linage during the differentiation of hematopoietic precursor. The main goal of the present study is to investigate the influence of mir-210 on the pattern of expression in hemoglobin gamma chain

Materials and Methods: First, K562 cell line was cultured in RPMI1640 media. Then, pre-miR-210 was transferred into K562 cell line by lipofectamin. Finally, the alterations in the pattern of gamma chain expression were analyzed in days 7 and 14 by RT-PCR and real time PCR technique

Results: It was demonstrated that the overexpression of mir-210 in K562 cell line would lead to a 25-fold increase in the expression of gamma chain in comparison with the control group. Data analysis revealed that the change in the pattern of hemoglobin gamma chain expression was meaningful [p<0.002]

Conclusion: Based on these data, overexpression of mir-210 can lead to a significant increase in the production of gamma chain. Therefore, more studies in the field may reveal the fact that an increase in mir-210 can be a suitable goal in the improvement of sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia