In a univariate Cox regression analysis, mean LEP promoter methylation was significantly associated with both progression and OS (Additional file 1: Table S3) and in a multivariate Cox regression analysis, mean LEP promoter methylation could serve as an independent marker for progression in MDS patients (HR = 4.36, 95% CI = 1.03–18.4, p = 0.045) (Table 2). This evidence concerns the gene LEP and myelodysplastic syndrome.