Evaluation of serum levels of antioxidant trace elements, zinc, copper, selenium and manganese, in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia before treatment

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can induce carcinogenesis via DNA injury. Antioxidants participate in cell protection against harmful influence of oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to assess the levels of antioxidant elements, including Zn, Cu, Se and Mn, in serum of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia before treatment. In this study, 20 children just diagnosed ALL before chemotherapy (mean age, 6.6±4.6) compared to 20 healthy controls (mean age, 10.3±2.7). Concentration of the elements were measured with atomic absorption spectroscopy serum levels of Mn were significantly lower in acute leukemia than in controls (P=0.03), while Cu was significantly elevated (P <0.0001). There were no significant difference regarding Zn and Se between two groups (P =0.07 and P =0.35, respectively). Based on obtained results, changes of serum level of these antioxidants could likely have biological role in initiation or progression of leukemia. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of these factors in pathogenesis of acute leukemia