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Aberrant Water Structure Dynamics in B16 Melanoma-Bearing Mice by Time Domain Refractometry Analysis
Kahori Furuhata1, Haruchika Masuda1,2,3,4, Atsuko Sato1
1Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Isehara Campus, Tokai University, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara 259-1193, Japan.
Biology
|September 28, 2023
Summary
This study reveals that tumor-bearing mice exhibit altered water structure dynamics (WSD) across organs. Dielectric spectroscopy shows significant WSD differences in tumors and viscera, suggesting systemic physiological changes.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cancer Research
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Water molecule dynamics (WSD) are crucial for homeostasis but poorly understood in disease.
- Differences in WSD between physiological and pathophysiological states remain largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare in vivo WSD in tumor tissues and organs of tumor-bearing mice versus healthy mice.
- To assess the utility of dielectric spectroscopy for detecting pathophysiological changes in WSD.
Main Methods:
- Utilized time domain reflectometry of dielectric spectroscopy to measure WSD parameters (relaxation time, distribution parameter, relaxation strength).
- Analyzed ex vivo tumor tissues and organs (lung, liver, kidney, skin) from mice with engrafted melanoma.
- Quantified water content by measuring tissue weights before and after freeze-drying.
Main Results:
- Tumor tissues showed significantly higher relaxation time distribution parameter (β) and relaxation strength (Δε) compared to healthy controls.
- Tumor water content increased temporarily, correlating with tumor volume increase.
- Visceral organs in tumor-bearing mice exhibited increased β values, particularly at day 11, indicating systemic WSD alterations.
Conclusions:
- Tumor-bearing mice display systemically aberrant WSD, distinct from healthy mice.
- Dielectric spectroscopy and WSD analysis offer novel insights into the pathophysiology of tumor-bearing states.
- WSD changes may serve as potential biomarkers for disease progression or physiological status.
