Impact of the induction phase chemotherapy on cytokines and oxidative markers in peripheral and bone marrow plasma of children with acute lymphocytic leukemia

B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL) is the main neoplasia affecting children worldwide, in which cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the main treatment modality. In this study, we analyzed the profile of inflammatory markers concerning oxidative stress and cytokines in 17 B-ALL patients. Peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) samples were collected and evaluated for the pro-oxidative status (nitric oxide products-NOx and hydroperoxides), antioxidants (sulfhydryl groups-SH and total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter-TRAP), and cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ), at diagnosis (D0) to and the end of the induction phase (D28). At D28, hydroperoxides were higher in PB, concomitant to TNF-α levels. INF-γ was increased in the BM at D28. Hydroperoxides were higher in patients presenting malignant cells in BM and/or PB after treatment, a condition named minimal residual disease (MRD) when compared to those without MRD at D28. These findings suggest that oxidative stress and cytokines vary across the B-ALL induction phase, and lipid peroxidation is a potential marker associated with MRD status.