Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) compromises a heterogeneous group of primary hematopoietic tumors that arise from bone marrow (BM) progenitor cells. Genetic mutations lead to clonal expansion and neoplastic changes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that control numerous gene expression. These genes are implicated in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell commitment and differentiation.

Methods: The present study was carried out on 40 newly diagnosed patients with AML in addition to 40 matched controls. Quantitative reverse transcription real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay was performed to quantify miR-424. In addition, RT-PCR assays were performed to evaluate NPM1 mutations in a new Egyptian AML patient cohort and determine their correlation with miRNAs as well as their expression with demographic, clinical, and laboratory data.

Results: No statistically significant differences were detected between the mean CT values of patients and controls for Mir-424 and RNU6B. NPM1 results revealed marked differences between controls and patients. Old age and NPM gene mutation were considered as potent predictors of poor outcomes.

Conclusion: Mir-424 is not implicated in AML pathogenesis. Additionally, no correlation was found between miR-424 and NPM1,but NPM mutation was associated with poor prognosis.