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Stress induced changes in lymphocyte subpopulations and associated cytokines during whole body hyperthermia of 41.8–42.2°C

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Abstract

Extreme acute physical stress leads to transient impairment of T-lymphocytes, which are essential for tumor defence and prevention of infectious diseases. Radiant whole body hyperthermia (WBH) at 41.8–42.2°C may enhance the efficacy of systemic chemotherapy in patients with advanced malignancies, but is associated with marked physical stress. Aim of this study was to demonstrate stress induced short-time effects on lymphocyte subpopulations and associated cytokines during WBH. Total leukocyte count, white blood cell differential blood count, lymphocyte subpopulations (T-helper-/T4-cells, T-suppressor-/T8-cells, natural-killer-/NK-cells, γδ-T-cells) as well as plasma levels of Interleukin(IL)-10, IL-12 and Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were measured in ten patients treated with WBH and additional cytostatic chemotherapy. Blood samples were drawn before treatment, at three temperature points during WBH, and 24 h after start of treatment. Results were compared with those obtained from a control group consisting of six patients receiving chemotherapy alone. Numbers of T4-cells decreased significantly during WBH, while numbers of NK-cells and γδ-T-cells increased, resulting in transient impairments of total lymphocyte counts and T4/T8-ratio. IL-12 plasma levels as well as IFN-γ/IL-10-ratio also decreased during WBH. No significant changes were found in T8-cells of WBH patients. Changes were reversible within 24 h and could not been found in control patients. Our results support the hypothesis that WBH combined with chemo therapy induces a strong but reversible anti-inflammatory stress response in cancer patients during therapy. Further studies are necessary to examine the pathophysiological details and to evaluate the meaning of these transient immunological changes for patient’s outcome.

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Acknowledgements

These investigations have been supported by Deutsche Krebshilfe and Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Sonderforschungsbereich 273, Graduiertenkolleg 331). We would like to thank Mrs M. Pettersson for her assistance during the laboratory processes and measurements. These examinations comply with the current laws of Federal Republic of Germany.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Klinik für Anästhesiologie und operative Intensivmedizin, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, 13344, Berlin, Germany

    Olaf Ahlers, Maria Deja, Thomas Böhnke & Thoralf Kerner

  2. Klinik für Anästhesiologie und operative Intensivmedizin, Vivantes–Klinikum Neukölln, 12313, Berlin, Germany

    Herwig Gerlach

  3. Medizinische Klinik m. S. Hämatologie und Onkologie, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13344, Berlin, Germany

    Bert Hildebrandt, Annette Dieing & Hanno Riess

  4. Klinik für Strahlenheilkunde, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13344, Berlin, Germany

    Peter Wust

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  1. Olaf Ahlers
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Correspondence to Olaf Ahlers.

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Supported by: Deutsche Krebshilfe, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, (Sonderforschungsbereich 273, Graduiertenkolleg 331)

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Ahlers, O., Hildebrandt, B., Dieing, A. et al. Stress induced changes in lymphocyte subpopulations and associated cytokines during whole body hyperthermia of 41.8–42.2°C. Eur J Appl Physiol 95, 298–306 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-005-0009-4

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