Urinary VOCs as biomarkers of early stage lung tumour development in mice

Impact of afatinib on intestinal and salivary IgA: Immune response alterations linked to gastrointestinal side effects

BACKGROUND

Afatinib, an oral molecular-targeted anticancer agent, is effective but causes significant gastrointestinal side effects. These effects are associated with EGFR inhibition in intestinal cells and changes in the microbiota.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of afatinib on intestinal mucosal immunity in rats, focusing on IgA levels in the intestine and saliva, and to understand the innate and acquired immune responses to these side effects.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats received afatinib (5.2 mg/kg) daily for 24 h (Day 1) and for 2 weeks (Day 14). Gene expression in the intestine was analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. IgA levels in the intestine and saliva were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Afatinib suppressed α-defensin 5 and pIgR in the jejunum and ileum, indicating reduced innate immunity. It increased IgA levels in the intestine and saliva, suggesting altered acquired immunity. Salivary IgA levels significantly correlated with intestinal IgA levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Afatinib affects gastrointestinal mucosal immunity, suppresses innate defense, and alters IgA production. Salivary IgA could serve as a marker for monitoring these effects, aiding cancer therapy management.

Effect of Astragalus polysaccharide combined with cisplatin on exhaled volatile organic compounds as biomarkers for lung cancer and its anticancer mechanism

Cisplatin (DDP) is widely used to fight lung cancer, but there is a risk of immune damage. Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) is the main active component of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge. It has demonstrated anticancer properties across a range of cancer types as well as to be effective against cisplatin induced immune damage. However, its therapeutic mechanism has not been fully explored. This study aimed to explore the antitumor mechanisms of APS and elucidate the relationship between APS and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath of Lewis lung cancer (LLC) mice. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was utilized to analyze the exhaled VOCs in LLC mice. A specific group of VOCs was identified as potential biomarkers for monitoring tumor progression. Furthermore, the effects of combined treatment with APS and DDP on the concentration of exhaled VOCs in LLC mice was evaluated. Stoichiometric analysis revealed that the levels of 12 VOCs exhibited substantial recovery following APS treatment. And a high concentration of APS (400 mg/kg), when combined with DDP, exhibited enhanced antitumor efficacy. The metabolic pathways involved in the action of APS include 12 pathways. Our methodology elucidated both the effects and mechanisms of APS on lung cancer, as well as the pharmacological enhancement of cisplatin by APS. These findings facilitate real-time monitoring of lung cancer treatments and contribute to the future development of anticancer therapies.