Effect of heavy-ion beam irradiation on the level of serum soluble interleukin-2 receptors in hamster cheek pouch carcinoma model

Soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) is a glycoprotein derived from α chain of interleukin 2 receptors of mononuclear as well as T-cell membranes. The aims of this study were to detect the changes of serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels following heavy-ion beam irradiation in the hamster model with cheek pouch carcinoma, as well as to examine the impact of immune status of the hamster cheek pouch carcinoma model using heavy-ion beam irradiation. sIL-2R serum levels were detected by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in 40 hamsters bearing cheek pouch carcinoma prior to and following exposure to heavy-ion beam irradiation, and 8 normal animals served as the control. The sIL-2R serum level in hamster cheek pouch carcinoma model was significantly increased as compared to the normal control group (P<0.05). Results showed that an increase in the irradiation dose led to a gradual decrease in the sIL-2R serum level. Additionally, a statistical significance was observed compared to the tumor group (P<0.05). In conclusion, alterations in serum sIL-2R expression have an effect on the hamsters cheek pouch carcinoma model subsequent to heavy-ion beam irradiation. An increase in the irradiation dose indicated a decreased tendency in serum sIL-2R content. Detection of serum level changes may lead to an improved understanding of heavy-ion irradiation in vivo immune status, which is crucial for clinical diagnosis and prognosis. It can also provide a sensitive indicator to help estimate the effects of heavy-ion cancer targets.