The Efficacy of a Formula Food for Preventing Postoperative Recurrence in a Tumor Dormancy Model

Abstract

: Objective To establish a lung cancer dormancy mouse model and verify the effects of Wushen (WS), a formula food, on postoperative recurrence. Methods We established a Lewis cell tumor dormancy model system that definitively links surgery and the subsequent wound-healing response to the outgrowth of lung cancer cells. We used this model to observe the effects of WS on the postoperative recurrence and the nutritional status of the mice. Finally, the immunocyte subtypes and cytokine levels in the serum and spleens of mice were detected by flow cytometry and ELISA. Results The recurrence rate in the WS group was obviously lower than that in the control group. Wushen increased the body weights and serum albumin levels of the mice. The levels of NK, Gr1 + CD11b + CD3 + CD8 + and CD3 + CD4 + T cells in the spleens of mice in the WS group were also increased. Compared with the control group, the levels of CD4 + IFN-γ + , CD4 + IL-2 and CD4 + /IL-10 + in the spleens of mice in the WS group were decreased. Wushen also seemed to decrease the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, but the decrease was not significant. Conclusion The postoperative lung cancer recurrence model was successfully established. Wushen inhibited postoperative recurrence, apparently by regulating the level of immune cell subtypes and cytokines in the serum and spleen.