Oxidative Stress Markers Associated with Gingival Inflammatory Status in Children with Leukemia

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate specific biomarkers of oxidative stress within gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and plasma obtained from children with leukemia compared to healthy subjects, in relation to the oral hygiene status and gingival inflammatory status, in order to identify a possible association linking childhood leukemia with gingival inflammation. Methods: The study comprised biomarker analysis from 97 children divided into two groups: 47 leukemia subjects and 50 systemically healthy children in the control group. The GCF and plasma specimens were analyzed to determine values of 8-OHdG (8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine) and SOD (superoxide dismutase) using ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) techniques, while MDA (malondialdehyde) values were measured through colorimetry. Results: We found elevated plasma expressions of all investigated biological parameters among leukemic children relative to the control group. GCF measurements highlighted raised 8-OHdG and SOD in leukemic individuals, while MDA recorded no significant shift between the groups. The statistical analysis also revealed a possible GCF and plasma SOD levels associated with the oral hygiene and gingival inflammatory status. Conclusions: The increased expression of oxidative stress markers we found in children with leukemia underlines the heightened inflammatory and oxidative burden in this category of population, yet additional studies are needed to clarify the intricate relation between systemic oxidative stress, oral biomarkers and gingival health outcomes in children, especially in children with critical systemic alterations such as leukemia.