Expression analysis of Survivin gene in acute promyelocytic leukemia at diagnosis and after treatment

Background and ObjectivesSurvivin (SVV) is an inhibitor of apoptosis. Its expression rises in most cancer types and is associated with resistance to chemotherapy, increased recurrence, and decreased patient survival. In this study, the expression of SVV gene was analyzed in APL(Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia) patients. Materials and MethodsIn this case-control study, the blood samples of 50 patients were collected in three groups; diagnosis, remission, and recurrence. Then, SVV gene expression was studied using absolute quantitative real time PCR. The data were analysed with SPSS version 17, Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey tests. ResultsFor the first time, this study demonstrated that SVV overexpressed significantly in APL patients compared with the control (Mean ± SD; 910.5 ± 699) (p <0.01). This overexpression was seen both in diagnosis (4981.4 ± 4112.2) and recurrence groups (4584.2 ± 5133.6) (both p<0.01). After arsenic trioxide therapy (ATO) the SVV expression declined significantly as compared to the diagnosis group (p<0.01). ConclusionsFindings indicate that SVV may have a role in survival of APL cells and induction of apoptosis by decreasing SVV expression can be a probable mechanism of ATO. This study indicates that the SVV may be used as a biomarker in APL patients during the course of the disease.