title: Effects of malignancy and interleukin-2 infusion on gut macromolecular permeability.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Enhanced gut permeability has been shown in patients with advanced malignancy. The dramatic inflammatory shock syndrome produced by high-dose interleukin-2 immune therapy could further change gut barrier function. This study measured the effect of advanced renal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma, and interleukin-2 treatment on gut permeability.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nonrandomized, controlled study.
  
  
  METHODS
  University hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adults with metastatic, unresectable renal cell carcinoma or metastatic, malignant melanoma, and normal volunteers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Gut permeability was measured in patients with renal cell carcinoma or malignant melanoma before and during interleukin-2 infusions, using polyethylene glycol 3350 and polyethylene glycol 400. The polyethylene glycols were administered orally within 48 hrs of interleukin-2 therapy and the 24-hr urine excretions were measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Increased permeability was seen in the baseline state of these patients (ratio of polyethylene glycol 3350 to polyethylene glycol 400 = 1.1 +/- 0.7 x 10(-2)) when compared with normal volunteers (ratio = 0.48 +/- 0.2 x 10(-2); p < .05). However, after interleukin-2 treatment, no further increase in permeability was seen (ratio = 1.4 +/- 0.8 x 10(-2)).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gut permeability to polyethylene glycol 3350 is enhanced in advanced malignancy. High-dose interleukin-2 therapy does not further increase permeability of the gut.
authors.affiliation: Surgical Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, USA.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Atkins
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Mier
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Gelfand
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Tompkins
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy; D004064:Digestive System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000187:drug effects*; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010539:Permeability / Q000187:drug effects; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
chemical_list: D007376:Interleukin-2; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols