Zeitschrift für Leukämie
Offener Zugang

Abstrakt

Oxidative Stress is the Other Side of the Coin in Normal Versus Cancer Cells

Vinita Badugu

Oxidative stress causes harmful effects on normal cells in the human body. However, leukemia cells gain resistance to oxidative stress’s harmful effects through heightened glycolysis, increased activity of the Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP) and modified mitochondria. These systems potentially lead to leukemia cell resistance via the antioxidant effects of the glycolysis products and redox signaling pathways overexpressed in leukemia cells mitochondria. Anthracycline agents used as a chemotherapeutic drug can cause significant amounts of oxidative stress to overcome the anti-oxidative stress capability of leukemia cells, leading to the induction of severe damage and apoptosis in these cells. Apoptosis in leukemia cells can also result through the help of Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) signaling pathways. Throughout this review paper, we will discuss how leukemia cells can efficiently utilize their mechanisms to thrive in heightened oxidative stress-induced environments. Then we will examine the role of chemotherapy-induced extreme oxidative stress leading to leukemia cells demise while highlighting key points of further advancement in treatment of leukemia disease.