Expression of Micro-RNA 128 and Let-7b in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cases

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the pathogenesis of leukemia and their altered expression is associated with many types of solid and hematological malignancies. METHODS: The study was performed on 70 consecutive newly diagnosed pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients, of which 56 were evaluated for both bone marrow miR-128 and let-7b (all 70 for let-7b) by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In addition, seven age and sex matched healthy controls were assessed. RESULTS: miR-128 expression was significantly higher in ALL patients compared with healthy controls (p<0.001). However, the expression levels of let-7b showed no statistical significant difference between the groups. No significant links were noted with clinical details, laboratory data and response to treatment. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that determination of miR-128 expression level may provide a tool for confirmation of a diagnosis of childhood ALL, follow up for response of treatment and a possible predictor of early relapse. Any role of let-7b in pediatric ALL needs to be further assessed.