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HPLC-based Assay to Monitor Extracellular Nucleotide/Nucleoside Metabolism in Human Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells
Published on: July 20, 2016
Intracellular glutathione content in leukemias
S Paydas1, G T Yuregir, B Sahin
1Department of Oncology, Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Balcali-Adana, Turkey.
Oncology
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels are significantly higher in leukemia patients compared to controls. This finding suggests GSH is not the sole factor determining chemotherapy response in leukemia.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Hematology
Background:
- Intracellular glutathione (GSH) plays a crucial role in cellular defense mechanisms.
- Elevated GSH levels have been implicated in chemoresistance in various cancers.
- Understanding GSH content in leukemia is vital for optimizing treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify intracellular glutathione (GSH) content in leukemia patients.
- To compare GSH levels between leukemia patients and healthy controls.
- To investigate the correlation between GSH content and clinical/hematological parameters in leukemia.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of intracellular glutathione (GSH) content in 73 leukemia patients.
- Comparison of GSH levels with a control group.
- Analysis of GSH levels concerning leukemia type, disease status, and clinical parameters.
Main Results:
- Leukemia patients exhibited significantly higher GSH content (mean 2.96 +/- 0.86 mumol/g protein) than controls (mean 1.31 +/- 0.27 mumol/g protein) (p = 0.0000).
- No significant differences in GSH content were observed between acute/chronic, lymphoid/myeloid, or newly diagnosed/relapsed leukemia.
- GSH levels did not correlate with age, sex, or initial hematologic findings; however, variable 24-hour changes were noted in a subset of patients.
Conclusions:
- Intracellular GSH content is significantly elevated in leukemia cells compared to normal cells.
- The wide range and lack of correlation with clinical parameters suggest GSH is not the sole determinant of cytotoxic drug response.
- Potential diurnal variations in GSH levels may influence the timing and efficacy of leukemia chemotherapy.

