Fig. 7

Manipulating ROS levels in MDS cells for therapeutic effects. Schematic representation of prooxidant and antioxidant treatment as a therapy for MDS. The effects of prooxidant treatment are augmented ROS generation, exhausting antioxidant defenses, subsequent unavoidable contributions to oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and oxidation of proteins that contain redox-sensitive residues. Moreover, enhanced ROS levels may be conducive to cell cycle progression in some situations, and also promote DNA mutation, which may cause malignant cells to resist apoptosis. However, the application of antioxidants acts against excessive ROS and reduces ROS signaling, oxidative stress, and proliferative drive. In addition, antioxidant treatment could reduce cell cycle progression, and protect nonmalignant cells from oxidative injury, especially when used in combination with chemotherapy