Sex-Specific Correlation ofmicroRNA-21 Expression in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients Under Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relation between expression level of microRNA-21 (miR-21) and patient gender in patients of CML receiving TKI therapy.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the University of Al-Qadisiya, College of Medicine, Iraq from 1st April 2025 31st August 2025.

Methods: This study included 50 chronic myeloid leukemia patients under tyrosine kinase inhibitors treatment. Molecular analysis of miR-21 expression was performed using real-time quantitative PCR. Statistical analysis, including correlation and cross-tabulation, was used to investigate the relation between gender, miR-21 expression, tyrosine kinase inhibitors type, and treatment response.

Results: A statistically significant association was observed between microRNA-21 expression level and patient sex (r= 0.312, p=0.027). The cohort demonstrated a slight predominant of male patients (56%), while no statistically significant differences were detected in molecular response rates between genders.

Conclusion: The association between microRNA-21 expression level and patient sex indicates the presence of a potential sex-specific regulatory mechanism influencing microRNA-21 in chronic myeloid leukemia.