The Expression Of WT1 Gene In Acute Leukemias And Its Clinical Implications

Objective To establish a fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR(FQ-RT-PCR) method for detection of WT1 gene expression .To elucidate the expression of WT1 in all types of leukemias ,its implications for monitoring minimal residual disease in acute leukemia.MethodsThe conventional RT-PCR was used to amplify WT1 gene andβ-actin gene from K562 cells. After gel extraction, purification and quantification by a photometer, quantitative stand template was constructed. Using FQ-RT-PCR, we measured the peripheral blood from 55 leukemia patients and 10 normal voluteer. Follow-up monitoring of WT1 expression of peripheral blood was performed for 20 patients with acute leukemia.Results1. WT1 expression in peripheral blood samples from 55 newly diagnosed acute leukemia patients (40ANLL,15 ALL)was significantly higher than that in normal controls (p<0.01).2. For 50 acute leukemia patients (38 ANLL,12 ALL) , complete remission rate was 66%, WT1 expression in the group of CR was significantly lower than in the group of NR(P<0.05).3. For 50 acute leukemia patients (38 ANLL,12 ALL) ,the survival time in the group of WT1≤-2.1675 was longer than that in the group of WT1〉-2.1675(P<0.05).4. Expression of WT1 gene at the time of presentation and relapse were significantly higher than that at the time of complete remission (P<0.05); there was not significantly difference between presentation and relapse with respect to the expression of WT1 gene (P>0.05).5. Follow-up detection the expression of WT1 in peripheral blood samples from 20 acute leukemia patients, 7 cases relapsed after complete remission had been achieved. In 5 of 7 relapsed patients, the expression of WT1 had increased obviously about 2-3 months before clinical relapse became apparent. The expression of WT1 gene increased 0.8 Log scale at least.Conclusions1. The expression of WT1 gene in peripheral blood was relatively higher in all types of leukemias compared with normal peripheral blood cells.2. The higher WT1 expression may associate with low complete remission rate and poor...