Role of Free Radical Reactions in Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Abstract

Activities of glutathione linked enzymes in red blood cells and concentrations of other free radical scavengers in red blood cells and in plasma were assayed in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, concentrations of both reduced glutathione and oxidized glutathione in red blood cells, and lipid peroxide levels in plasma were all significantly increased in MDS patients. Levels of other free radical scavengers in plasma (total vitamin B₂, FAD, and coenzyme Q₁₀), however, were decreased. The data suggest that MDS patients may have been exposed to free radicals, and may be hypersensitive to the oxygen intoxication.