XPC, XPD, XPF, and XPG genes are implicated in the nucleotide excision repair (NER) system. Gene polymorphisms in NER repair system may influence the individual's capacity to recognize and repair DNA lesions, thus increasing the cancer risk. We hypothesized that these gene polymorphisms might influence the probability of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We investigated the XPC, XPD, XPF, and XPG gene polymorphisms in 108 AML cases and 163 healthy controls. Also cytogenetic analyses besides FLT3 and DNMT3A mutations status were investigated. We found that variant genotypes (heterozygous and homozygous) of XPD 2251A > C and 22541A > C and the heterozygous genotype of XPG 3507G > C were associated with the risk of developing AML (OR = 2.55; 95% CI = 1.53-4.25; p value <0.001; OR = 1.66, 95 % CI = 1.02-2.72; p value = 0.047, and OR = 2.36; 95 % CI = 1.32-4.21; p value = 0.004, respectively). No association was found between white blood cell counts, FLT3, DNMT3A mutations, cytogenetic risk group, and variant genotypes of none of the analyzed polymorphisms. Variant homozygous XPF 673C > T genotype was associated with higher dose of cytosine arabinoside treatment administrated to AML patients (p value = 0.04). No differences were found regarding survival time and variant genotype in the investigated gene polymorphisms with the exception of XPD 2251A > C. In conclusion, XPD 22541A > C, XPD 2251A > C, and XPG 3507G > C gene polymorphisms confer susceptibility to AML, while XPC 2920A > C, XPF-673C > T, XPF 11985A > G are not associated with AML.

Background Cytokines were correlated with survival and disease progression in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We aimed to evaluate the multivariate effect of TNF‐α rs361525, rs1800750, rs1800629, IL‐10 rs1800896, rs1800872, IL‐6 rs1800795, TGF‐β1 rs1800470, IFN‐γ rs2430561 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on AML risk, the multivariate effect of SNPs on overall survival (OS) in AML and the association between the investigated SNPs and prognostic factors in AML. Methods All SNPs were genotyped in 226 adult AML cases and 406 healthy individuals. AML patients were investigated for FLT3 (ITD, D835), DNMT3A (R882), and NPM1 type A mutations. Results Univariate analysis revealed that age above 65 years had a negative influence on survival (P < .001). The presence of the rs1800750 variant genotype (P = .005) or FLT3‐ITD mutation (P = .009) in a cytogenetic high‐risk group (P = .003) negatively influenced OS. A negative association was observed between Eastern Cooperative Oncologic Group Scale status > 2, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, platelet (PLT) count <40 000 cells/mm3, and OS. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the presence of the rs1800750 variant genotype was a risk factor for death (P = .007), and that blast percentage, LDH level (≥600 IU/L), and cytogenetic high‐risk were independent significant predictors for death in AML (P = .04, corrected HR = 1.20; P = .022, corrected HR = 1.24; P = .021, corrected HR = 1.34, respectively). Conclusions Age above 65 years, PLT count, TNF‐α rs1800750 variant genotype, blast percentage, LDH level, and cytogenetic high‐risk may be used as independent risk factors to assess AML mortality.

Background: Nowadays, cytogenetics and molecular genetics, but not only, are mandatory in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) management, as a consequence of their impact on AML pathogenesis, classification, risk-stratification, prognosis and treatment. Objective: The aim of our study was to present our algorithm for the analysis of copy number changes, aneuploidies and somatic mutations focusing on a rare AML case positive for four somatic mutations. Methods: Cytogenetic analysis, Multiplex Ligationdependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) analysis, somatic mutation analysis (for FLT3 ITD, FLT3 D835, DNMT3A R882 and NPM1 c.863_864ins) by using several PCR techniques and also next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis were performed. Results: Cytogenetic analysis did not reveal structural or numerical chromosomal anomalies. The patient’s DNA showed no copy number changes or aberrations (CNAs) following the MLPA analysis. By using several molecular technologies we found four mutations: FLT3-ITD, FLT3 D835 (c.2504A>T, D835V), DNMT3A R882C, and NPM1 c.863_864insTCTG. Challenges, benefits, applications and the limitations of each molecular technique used for the investigation of the mentioned mutation, and not only, are also described. Conclusion: All these techniques can be useful in the diagnosis of AML patients, each of them covering the limits of the other technique. New strategies for a positive, fast, accurate and reliable diagnosis are mandatory in cases with AML.

ECHS1 gene mutations are known to cause mitochondrial short-chain enoyl-CoA hydratase 1 deficiency, a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by psychomotor development delay, lactic acidosis, and basal ganglia lesions resembling Leigh syndrome. Short-chain enoyl-CoA hydratase 1 (ECHS1) deficiency is a very rare and new disorder, with a wide phenotypic spectrum and different outcomes ranging from neonatal death to survival into adulthood. Since the identification of ECHS1 deficiency in 2014, almost 63 patients with pathogenic mutations in the ECHS1 gene have been described to date. This paper focuses on the clinical and molecular findings as well as the evolution of a Caucasian girl diagnosed with ECHS1 deficiency who carries a new compound heterozygous mutation in the ECHS1 gene. Polymorphic symptoms, namely failure to thrive, significant global developmental delay/regression, movement disorders, ocular abnormalities, hearing loss, seizure, and cardiac myopathy, may be a challenge in mitochondrial disorder suspicion. Early diagnosis, an appropriate diet with valine restriction, and trigger avoidance are essential, as there is no effective therapy for the disease. This disorder influences life quality in these patients and their caregivers, and it has the potential to be fatal.

and low survival rates. 1,2 Chromosomal abnormalities and gene mutations are important prognostic factors in AML, but also in other types of leukemia, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). 3,4 INTRODUCTION Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the most common acute leukemia in adults, is a heterogeneous, complex, and dynamic disease, characterized by multiple somatically acquired genetic events, progression over time,