microRNA-29c and microRNA-223 down-regulation has in vivo significance in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and improves disease risk stratification

Blood. 2009 May 21;113(21):5237-45. doi: 10.1182/blood-2008-11-189407. Epub 2009 Jan 14.

Abstract

Aberrant expression of microRNAs has been recently associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) outcome. Although disease evolution can be predicted by several prognostic factors, a better outcome individualization in a given patient is still of utmost interest. Here, we showed that miR-29c and miR-223 expression levels decreased significantly with progression from Binet stage A to C were significantly lower in poor prognostic subgroups (defined by several prognostic factors) and could significantly predict treatment-free survival (TFS) and overall survival (OS). Furthermore, we developed a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) score combining miR-29c, miR-223, ZAP70, and LPL (from 0 to 4 poor prognostic markers) to stratify treatment and death risk in a cohort of 110 patients with a median follow-up of 72 months (range, 2-312). Patients with a score of 0/4, 1/4, 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 had a median TFS of greater than 312, of 129, 80, 36, and 19 months, respectively (hazard ratio, HR(0/4 < 1/4 < 2/4 < 3/4 < 4/4) = 17.00, P < .001). Patients with a score of 0-1/4, 2-3/4, and 4/4 had a median OS of greater than 312, of 183 and 106 months, respectively (HR(0/4 < 1/4 < 2/4 < 3/4 < 4/4) = 13.69, P = .001). This score will help to identify, among the good and poor prognosis subgroups, patients who will need early therapy and thus will require a closer follow-up.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Disease Progression
  • Down-Regulation / genetics*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / diagnosis*
  • Lipoprotein Lipase / genetics
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Prognosis
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • ZAP-70 Protein-Tyrosine Kinase / genetics

Substances

  • MIRN223 microRNA, human
  • MIRN29a microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Messenger
  • ZAP-70 Protein-Tyrosine Kinase
  • ZAP70 protein, human
  • Lipoprotein Lipase