The study demonstrates that ECCT is not only safe for the liver and kidneys but also spares normal cells from harm. This stands as a significant advantage, addressing a key challenge in cancer treatment—how to target cancer cells without harming healthy ones. The research shows that, in rats, kidney and liver functions declined over time with chemotherapy alone, whereas those receiving ECCT did not experience the same deterioration.
Key Findings
Kidney Histopathology
- Glomerular Injury: No significant differences in glomerular injury scores were observed among the groups, indicating that neither Tumorigenic agent induction nor electric field exposure caused notable glomerular damage.
- Tubular Injury: The Induction Non-Therapy (INT) group had the highest tubular injury score, significantly different from the Induction Therapy (IT) group. This demonstrates the nephrotoxic effect of Tumorigenic agent. ECCT reduced tubular damage, suggesting a protective or reparative effect.
- Interstitial Injury: Inflammation, hemorrhage, and necrosis were observed, but there were no significant differences in interstitial injury scores among the groups.
- Congestion: Tumorigenic agent induction increased congestion, but ECCT exposure potentially reduced congestion, as indicated by the significantly lower congestion scores in the Non-Induction Therapy (NIT) group compared to other groups.
Liver Histopathology
- Cellular Injury: No significant differences in cellular injury scores among the groups. All groups showed close mean values, indicating minimal liver damage from either Tumorigenic agent or ECCT.
- Hemorrhage and Congestion: Tumorigenic agent induction significantly induced hemorrhage, but the congestion score was highest in the IT group, suggesting a synergic effect of Tumorigenic agent and ECCT on vascular congestion.
Blood Plasma Analysis
- Creatinine Levels: Significant increases in creatinine levels in all groups except the IT group post-treatment. The IT group showed a significant decrease, suggesting ECCT may mitigate Tumorigenic agent-induced nephrotoxicity.
- AST and ALT Levels: Both AST and ALT levels increased post-treatment but remained within or close to normal ranges. The IT group exhibited a normalization trend, indicating potential protective effects of ECCT on liver function.
Tumor Microenvironment
- Impact on Tumor Interstitial Fluid (TIF): ECCT may alter TIF formation, affecting the tumor microenvironment. This disruption can impair the ability of cancer cells to sustain themselves, contributing to tumor shrinkage.
- Disruption of Tumor Cell Interactions: The change in tumor texture to a softer, more fluid-like state suggests that ECCT disrupts the structural integrity of the tumor. This could impair the ability of cancer cells to interact with each other and with stromal cells, hindering their growth and proliferation.
Safety and Efficacy
- No Significant Histopathological Injuries: The study found no significant histopathological injuries in the kidney and liver tissues of rats exposed to ECCT, indicating that the therapy is safe for these vital organs.
- Reduction in Tubular Injury: ECCT reduced tubular injury scores in the kidney, suggesting a potential protective effect against Tumorigenic agent-induced nephrotoxicity.
- Normalization of Creatinine Levels: The decrease in creatinine levels in the IT group suggests that ECCT may help maintain or restore normal kidney function.
- Moderate Changes in AST and ALT Levels: While there were changes in AST and ALT levels, they remained within normal ranges, indicating that ECCT does not adversely affect liver function.
Potential Mechanisms
- Reduced Oxidative Stress: The protective effects observed could be due to reduced oxidative stress, as ECCT may improve circulation and reduce ROS levels, which are known to cause cellular damage.
- Enhanced Repair Mechanisms: ECCT may promote tissue repair mechanisms, improving histopathological outcomes and maintaining organ function.
