OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlation between Chinese medical syndrome type (CMST) and the ID4 gene promoter methylation state in the bone marrow cells of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, and to discuss the correlation between ID4 gene methylation and the occurrence, development of AML.

METHODSThirty-five inpatients or outpatients from the Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were recruited as the test group, while 10 healthy volunteers from the health medical center of the Affiliated Hospital, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were recruited as the control group. The ID4 gene promoter methylation states were detected using methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR) in the two groups. Inter-group comparison was performed and CMSTs were compared to analyze the correlation between CMSTs and the gene promoter methylation.

RESULTSTwenty-seven AML patients (77.1%) had methylation of ID4 gene, showing statistical difference when compared with the control group (P < 0.01). The ID4 methylation positive rate of ID4 gene promoter methylation was sequenced from low to high as qi and yin deficiency syndrome < inter-accumulation of blood stasis and phlegm syndrome < toxic heat inflaming syndrome, showing statistical difference when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The peripheral white blood cells and the bone marrow blast cells were higher in ID4 methylation positive patients than in the ID4 methylation negative control patients with statistical difference (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSPatients of inter-accumulation of blood stasis and phlegm syndrome and toxic heat inflaming syndrome were more likely to have ID4 gene methylation. The ID4 methylation positive expression has verified the essence of evil domination in the early AML at the molecular level. It can also reflect the degree of malignancy of AML to some extent.