Correlation of Breakpoint Cluster Region - Abelson Murine Leukemia (BCR-ABL) transcript variants with hematological parameters and demographic characteristics in Palestinian patients with chronic myeloid leukemia رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

Background: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is classified as a myeloproliferative neoplasm connected to the Philadelphia chromosome. This connection arises from the BCR-ABL fusion gene, resulting from a chromosome translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22. The gene BCR-ABL produces a continuous form of tyrosine kinase, which contributes to the progression of leukemia. There are various transcript variants, with E13a2 (B2a2) and E14a2 (B3a2) being the most prevalent. These variants are linked to specific diseases, their treatment outcomes, and general prognosis. Objectives: Our goal was to evaluate the connection between BCR-ABL transcript variants and various blood parameters (such as WBC, Hb, platelet count) in Palestinian patients diagnosed with CML, alongside their clinic pathological characteristics. Methodology: A cross-sectional sample of fifty patients with CML was selected from An-Najah National University Hospital in Palestine for this study. RNA was extracted from peripheral venous blood collected in EDTA tubes, and the variants of BCR-ABL transcripts were verified using RT-PCR. Additionally, data from the patients' medical records were gathered. Statistical analysis was used to examine the connection between the different transcript variants and various clinical and demographic factors. Results: The ratio of males to females was 1.27:1. Among the patients, twenty-nine had the b3a2 transcript, while twenty-one tested positives for the b2a2 variant. The total leukocyte count was higher in the b3a2 group compared to the b2a2 group, but the b2a2 variant had notably higher platelet counts than those with the b3a2 transcript. Conclusion: Our study showed a significant difference in blood-related measurements between b3a2 and b2a2 in CML, particularly regarding white blood cell and platelet counts. The variation in transcript expression linked to age might also suggest biological differences. These findings support the importance of transcript typing for diagnosing and predicting outcomes in CML, providing a useful reference for future studies within the Palestinian community.