OBJECTIVEThe reduced expression or expression deletion of LIM domain-containing protein 1(LIMD1) gene associates with the occurrence of various solid tumors, while its role in adult acute leukemia (AL) has been rarely reported, this study was to detect LIMD1 expression in adult patients with AL and to evaluate its correlation with the different clinical and laboratorial data.

METHODSThe expression levels of LIMD1 were determined by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), LIMD1 transcripts were measured by using a relative quantification with GAPDH as a housekeeping gene, and the relationship between its expression levels and clinical parameters (sex, age, subtype, leukocyte count, leukemic blasts) was investigated by statistical analysis.

RESULTSThe LIMD1 expression was reduced in de novo AL patients as compared with normal controls and complete remission patients(P < 0.01). In univariate analysis, LIMD1 associated with age and leukocyte count (P = 0.011, 0.035 respectively). LIMD1 decreased along with increasing age and leukocyte count in de novo AL patients, the LIMD1 expression levels in de novo AL patients with age ≥ 60 years old were lower than that in group of patients <60 years, and which were significantly lower in the leukocyte count ≥ 100×10(9)/L compared to leukocyte count < 100×10(9)/L. there was no statistically significant association between LIMD1 expression and sex, subtype, and leukemic blasts of patients.

CONCLUSIONSThe LIMD1 gene may be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of adult AL, and may be used as an indicator of prognosis evaluation.