The role of oxydative stress in the course of acute myeloblastic leukaemias

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of oxidative potential and activity of antioxidants on the course and chemotherapy response in acute nonlymphoblastic leukaemias.

Material and methods

Twelve adult patients (7 women, 5 men) with acute nonlymphoblastic leukaemia treated at the Department of Hematooncology University Medical School in Lublin, were studied. Plasma concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined using fluorimetric assay. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (PGx) were assesed in the whole blood using colorimetric assay with Randox reagents.

Results

The overall survival in the group of patients with a low activity of GPx (< 5.0 U/ml) was significantly longer than that in patients with a high activity of GPx (15.71±9.8 vs 5.8±3.68 month). Patients with hepatosplenomegaly were characterized by a significantly lower activity of SOD (52.0U/ml) compared to patients without hepatosplenomegaly (95.12 U/ml).

Conclusion

The state of the new balance between different defence mechanisms of an oxidation-reduction system, resulting from the presence of acute proliferation, may modulate the course of acute leukaemias and influence the response to chemotherapy.