Assessment of long noncoding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 5 expression in acute myeloid leukemia patients: Correlation with treatment response

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been progressively documented as vital regulators of gene transcription in cancer biology, including hematological malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Among these, small nucleolar RNA host gene 5 (SNHG5) has received growing attention for its involvement in tumor progression, chemoresistance, and modulation of gene expression. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to evaluate the level of the lncRNA SNHG5 expression in adult de novo AML patients and to explore its relationship with hematological parameters, treatment response, and overall survival (OS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty newly diagnosed AML patients and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled. The expression level of SNHG5 was measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Clinical, hematological data and treatment outcomes were collected and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The data demonstrated an elevated level of SNHG5 expression in AML patients compared to healthy subjects ( P < 0.001). Elevated SNHG5 expression was substantially associated with increased white blood cell counts, reduced complete remission rates ( P = 0.02), and reduced OS ( P = 0.01). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis also confirmed the prognostic significance of SNHG5 expression in AML. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive expression of SNHG5 reveals its role in the pathophysiology of AML and indicates its potential role toward the malignant transformation of hematopoietic stem or myeloid progenitor cells. Consequently, SNHG5 may function as a prospective prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in AML.