Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Survivin (SVV) is an inhibitor of apoptosis. Its expression rises in most cancer types and is associated with resistance to chemotherapy, increased recurrence, and decreased patient survival. In this study, the expression of SVV gene was analyzed in APL(Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia) patients.

 Materials and Methods

 In this case-control study, the blood samples of 50 patients were collected in three groups diagnosis, remission, and recurrence. Then, SVV gene expression was studied using absolute quantitative real time PCR. The data were analysed with SPSS version 17, Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey tests.

 Results

 For the first time, this study demonstrated that SVV overexpressed significantly in APL patients compared with the control (Mean ± SD 910.5 ± 699) (p <0.01). This overexpression was seen both in diagnosis (4981.4 ± 4112.2) and recurrence groups (4584.2 ± 5133.6) (both p<0.01) . After arsenic trioxide therapy (ATO) the SVV expression declined significantly as compared to the diagnosis group (p<0.01).

 Conclusions

 Findings indicate that SVV may have a role in survival of APL cells and induction of apoptosis by decreasing SVV expression can be a probable mechanism of ATO. This study indicates that the SVV may be used as a biomarker in APL patients during the course of the disease.