Does MMP1 gene expression have a significant role in acute myeloid leukemia?

Background In acute myeloid leukemia (AML) genetic alterations arise in the clonal bone marrow (BM) neoplastic cells and initiate molecular events interfering with normal hematopoiesis and leading to abnormal proliferation and differentiation. Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) is a secreted protein of the collagenase group in the BM microenvironment that functions to remodel the extracellular matrix. Studies have investigated the diagnostic and prognostic roles of MMP-1 in solid tumors, which were not clearly elucidated in hematological malignancies. The study aims to identify MMP1 expression in AML and investigate its relationship with patients’ characteristics. Patients and methods The study included 60 newly diagnosed AML cases and 60 controls. MMP1 expression was measured using real-time PCR. BM aspirate, complete blood count, chemical and cytogenetic testing, and immunophenotyping were performed. Results The level of MMP1 expression displayed no significant difference between patients and controls ( P =0.353). In AML patients, MMP1 expression showed a significant decrease in AML-M5 in comparison to AML-M1 ( P =0.003) and AML-M4 ( P =0.013). Also, there was significant increased expression in patients with intermediate cytogenetic risk compared with those with favorable risks ( P =0.002). Furthermore, a positive correlation of MMP1 expression with BM blast percent at diagnosis was identified ( r =0.281, P =0.030). Conclusion Increased MMP1 expression in AML patients with a high tumor burden of BM blast percentage at diagnosis and in the intermediate cytogenetic risk group showed its prognostic role. Further extensive studies are required to clarify its predictive role in AML.