OBJECTIVETo detect the expression levels of MRE11 and Ku80 mRNA, and telomere length in bone marrow mononuclear cells of aplastic anemia(AA) patients, and to explore their correlation with pathogenesis of aplastic anemia.

METHODSBone marrow mononuclear cells were collected from 40 cases of AA and 20 normal controls for detecting mRNA expression of MRE11 and Ku80 and telomere length by using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), then MRE11, Ku80 and telomere length were analyzed for their correlation.

RESULTSAs compared with controls, the expression levels of MRE11 and Ku80 in patients with AA were significantly reduced, and the telomere length in patients with AA was obviously shortened, respectively (P<0. 05). The telomere length was significantly shorter in the persons aged ≥45 years in comparison with the AA patients and normal control younger than 45 years old (P<0.05). For the AA patients older than or equal to 45 years and less than 45 years in comparison with the controls at the same age, the telomere length was significantly shorter(P<0.05). The expression levels of MRE11 and Ku80 didn't correlate with telomere length (P>0.05). The mRNA expression level of MRE11 correlated positively and significantly with that of Ku80 (r=0.863, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe change of telomere length may play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of aplastic anemia. The lower expression of MRE11 and Ku80 may be involved in the pathogenesis of aplastic anemia.