Evaluation of circ_0002232 and circ-vimentin gene expressions as valuable biomarkers in acute myeloid leukemia patients

Background and aim: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a remarkably complex malignancy; with considerable genetic, epigenetic, and phenotypic heterogenicity. Circ-RNAs are a novel class of non-coding RNA. They may influence leukemia development and offer exciting possibilities for targeted AML diagnosis and therapy. This study aimed to detect circ_0002232 and circ-VIM expression levels in AML patients and their relation to the clinicopathological characteristics and disease outcome to assess the prognostic potential of both circ-RNAs and achieve a new target therapy for the disease.

Methods: Circ_0002232 and circ-VIM gene expressions were measured in 60 AML patients and 30 controls using qRT-PCR.

Results: Circ_0002232 was significantly downregulated in our patients compared to controls (P value < 0.001). On the other hand, circ-VIM was notably upregulated in our patients (P value = 0.005). Using ROC curve, circ_0002232 and circ-VIM biomarkers could distinguish AML patients from controls with AUC 0.847, 0.683 and P value < 0.0001, = 0.004 respectively. Patients with downregulated circ_0002232 were significantly younger than upregulated patients (p value = 0.003). In addition, downregulated circ_0002232 was significantly associated with decreased hemoglobin level and increased overall survival (OS). Regarding high circ-VIM expression in AML patients, it was significantly correlated with lacking complete remission and leukocytosis.

Conclusion: Circ_0002232 and circ-VIM could be valuable diagnostic biomarkers to differentiate AML patients from healthy controls in clinical use. Circ-VIM expression may influence AML prognosis. Further research is needed to validate the clinical utility of circ_0002232 as a prognostic marker for OS in AML patients.