Effect of artificial oxygen carrier with chemotherapy on tumor hypoxia and neovascularization.

Unlabelled: In addition to transfusion alternatives, artificial oxygen carriers are a benefit in ischemia disorders. This study aimed at evaluating the possible effects of PEG-conjugated hemoglobin (PEG-Hb) plus cisplatin on tumor hypoxia and neovasculature.

Methods: HeLa cells were injected into submucosa of golden hamster cheek pouch to build tumor model. Animals were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=10) and treated respectively: group 1, saline; group 2, cisplatin (5mg/kg); group 3, cisplatin (5mg/kg) plus PEG-Hb (0.3g/kg); group 4, cisplatin (5mg/kg) plus PEG-Hb (0.6g/kg). Tumor neovascularization morphological variation and tissue hypoxia were detected by intravital microscopy and immunostaining, respectively.

Results: Microvessel tortuosity and area capillary density in peritumoral areas were notably depressed in group 4 compared with group 2 (p<0.05). Hypoxia markers pimonidazole and HIF-1alpha expression were decreased significantly in group 4.

Conclusion: PEG-Hb in high concentration can notably improve tumor tissue oxygenation and normalize neovasculature; it may be a potential adjuvant to chemotherapy in cancer.