Predictive value of integrin α7 for acute myeloid leukemia risk and its correlation with prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia patients

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the predictive value of integrin α7 (ITGA7) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) risk and subsequently investigate its correlation with risk stratification and prognosis in AML patients. METHODS: Bone marrow samples were obtained from 196 de novo AML patients prior to initiation of treatment and from 50 subjects underwent bone marrow donation or bone marrow biopsy for non‐hematologic malignant disease (as controls). ITGA7 mRNA and protein expressions were detected by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays, respectively. In AML patients, the risk stratification was assessed, and complete remission (CR), event‐free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. RESULTS: Both ITGA7 mRNA and protein expressions were increased in AML patients compared with controls, and their expressions were correlated with poorer risk stratification. For prognosis, ITGA7 mRNA expression and protein expression were declined in CR patients compared to non‐CR patients. Meanwhile, both EFS and OS were shorter in ITGA7 mRNA high expression patients compared to ITGA7 mRNA low expression patients, as well as ITGA7 protein high expression patients compared to ITGA7 protein low expression patients. CONCLUSION: Integrin α7 might serve as a potential biomarker for predicting increased AML risk and worse prognosis in AML patients.