Biochemical study on normal and leukemic Egyptian children

ABSTRACT

Leukemia is the most common malignancy of childhood [33%] where Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia [ALL] is the most common type in children. is to study the effect of ALL on complete blood count [CBC] and on some important biochemical parameters as total protein, albomin, globulin, uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], erythrocyte superoxide dismutase [eryth. SOD] and erythrocyte glucose-6 -phosphate dehydrogenase[eryth. G-6-PD]. Also to measure total DNA and RNA content in all the samples. Moreover to carry out a comparative study of these parameters before and after treatment in contrast to control group. This study included forty newly diagnosed children with [ALL] in National Cancer Institute [NCI], Cairo University. Blood samples on admission [Gr. IIA] and after 4 weeks of chemotherapeutic treatment [Gr. IIB] were analyzed. Four cases died 2 weeks from diagnosis, one case discontinued, and one case failed to remission induction. CBC revealed a significant remarkable decrease in the hemoglobin content, RBCs and platelet count in [Gr. IIA] and these parameters were improved in [Gr. IIB]. A significantly marked elevation in WBCs and blast cells were recorded in [Gr. IIA]. On remission they returned to their normal level in [Gr. IIB]. Total DNA and RNA contents revealed a significant remarkable elevation in [Gr. IIA], while after 4 weeks of treatment they returned to normal level [Gr. IIB]. G-6-PDH showed significant increase in [Gr. IIA] while SOD activity showed high significant decline in [Gr. IIA]. After treatment both G- 6-PD and SOD showed significant improvement [Gr. IIB]. One month of chemotherapeutic treatment is not enough to achieve complete hematological remission for Egyptian [ALL] children in contrast to European reports. Biochemical parameters returned to their normal level, yet G-6-PD and SOD activities were improved largely. Also measurement of G-6-PD and SOD activities and DNA and RNA contents are useful markers to follow up ALL children after chemotherapeutic treatment