preprints.org > biology and life sciences > life sciences > doi: 10.20944/preprints202309.0364.v1

Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Version 1 : Received: 5 September 2023 / Approved: 5 September 2023 / Online: 6 September 2023 (09:33:02 CEST)

Cytokines are mediators of inflammation that could lead to fibrosis. The aim was to monitor cytokine levels in saliva and serum after locally fractionated radiotherapy of the head and neck in mice and investigate associations with salivary gland fibrosis and hyposalivation. C57BL/6 mice were randomized to sham or X-ray irradiation of 66 Gy in 10 fractions over 5 days. Blood and saliva were collected on day -7, 5, 35, 80 and 105 with following cytokine analysis. The harvested submandibular salivary gland was assessed for presence of fibrosis. Decision tree regression analysis was used to investigate whether cytokine levels could predict late endpoints in terms of hyposalivation or fibrosis. Significant formation of fibrosis in gland tissue and reduced saliva production was found after irradiation. The pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1α, TNF, TIMP1, G-CSF, KC and MIP-1α showed increased levels in saliva in irradiated mice and strong correlation with late endpoints. The decision tree analysis largely separated controls from irradiated animals with IL-1α being the strongest predictor. Pro-inflammatory cytokines in saliva, but not in serum, were associated with late endpoints. This indicates that cytokine expression in saliva is a good biomarker for local salivary gland damage with IL-1α as the strongest single predictor.

cytokines; X-rays; fractionated radiotherapy; normal tissue response; head and neck; salivary glands; fibrosis; mice

Biology and Life Sciences, Life Sciences

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