Oxidative Stress and ROS-Mediated Signaling in Leukemia: Novel Promising Perspectives to Eradicate Chemoresistant Cells in Myeloid Leukemia

Abstract

Myeloid leukemic cells are intrinsically under oxidative stress due to impaired reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, a common signature of several hematological malignancies. The present review focuses on the molecular mechanisms of aberrant ROS production in myeloid leukemia cells as well as on the redox-dependent signaling pathways involved in the leukemogenic process. Finally, the relevance of new chemotherapy options that specifically exert their pharmacological activity by altering the cellular redox imbalance will be discussed as an effective strategy to eradicate chemoresistant cells.

Keywords

• acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
• oxidative stress
• ROS
• antioxidant systems
• ROS-based therapy
• chemoreistance