Objective: To explore MDM2 and p53 gene proteins expression on human acute leukemia (AL) cells and their predictive value for chemotherapeutic efficacy.
Methods: MDM2 and p53 gene proteins expression was assayed by immunohistochemical staining.
Results: 1. The expression rates of MDM2 and p53 gene proteins were 71.7% and 21.7% respectively in 46 AL patients. The rates were slightly higher in relapse/refractory AL than in previously untreated AL; there was no difference among AL subtypes. 2. MDM2+ and p53- accounted for 67.4%, while the uniform expression of MDM2 and p53 15.2% (P < 0.01). 3. The marrow complete remission (CR) rate (69.2%) of MDM2- patients was higher than that (33.3%) of MDM2+ patients (P < 0.05). 4. Two of 4 patients with MDM2+++ gained CR and then MDM2 turned negative.
Conclusion: MDM2 gene protein was negatively related with p53 gene protein in AL cells. Different expression patterns of the two gene proteins could influence the therapeutic efficacy, and combined detection of the two may be used as a prognostic parameter for AL patients.