COMBINED EFFECTS OF DOXORUBICIN, MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE, AND COLD-PLASMA-TREATED HANKS SOLUTION ON THE PRODUCTION OF TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR β IN HUMAN MONONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTES

Combined effects of a cold-plasma-treated solution of the cytostatic drug doxorubicin and the gestagen medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) were studied with respect to their influence on the production of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), which is capable of controlling proliferative processes. Hydrogen peroxide and nitrite ions were formed in cold-plasma-treated Hanks solution. This decreased the effects of doxorubicin and the gestagen on TGF-beta production in human mononuclear leukocytes for short treatment periods (2.5 - 5 min) and increased these effects upon treatment for a longer time (similar to 7.5 min). This phenomenon could be related to a specific influence of hydrogen peroxide at various concentrations in the presence of nitrite ions, doxorubicin, and MPA. Hanks solution treated for a short time with cold plasma could be tested to reduce side effects of doxorubicin (cardiomyopathy) and enhance the antitumor activity of MPA.

Automated summary

The combined effects of cold-plasma-treated solution of doxorubicin and MPA on TGF-beta production were studied, indicating a dual effect of hydrogen peroxide and nitrite ions formed in the solution. Short treatment decreased the effects, while longer treatment enhanced the effects of the drugs.