P glycoprotein (P-gp) and Lung resistance related protein (LRP) Expression in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Abstract

Acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs) are neoplastic proliferations arising in hematopoietic precursor cells. They result in overgrowth of myeloblasts and other immature cells of myeloid lineage.

A key issue in the treatment of acute leukemia is the development of resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. Several mechanisms may account for this phenomenon, including failure of the cell to undergo apoptosis in response to chemotherapy, or failure of the drug to reach and/or affect its intracellular target.

Expression of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter p-glycoprotein (Pgp) as well as the lung resistance related protein (LRP) has been correlated with outcome in AML. Pgp acts by actively transporting drugs out of the cells before they can reach toxic intracellular concentrations. Its expression is associated with resistance to a group of dissimilar antineoplastic agents, mainly anthracyclines, vinca alkaloids and epipodophyllotoxins.