Background/aim: Utilizing an experimental animal model, we investigated the correlation between aromatase inhibitors (AIs) (anastrozole and letrozole) and Calprotectin levels. AIs have demonstrated superior efficacy when used as adjuvant endocrine therapy or monotherapy for postmenopausal patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive early-stage breast cancer, although various side effects have been recorded.
Materials and methods: Fifty-five adult female Wistar rats were randomized and assigned into four groups. The control group received no intervention. The other three groups were subjected to ovariectomy, and serum Calprotectin levels were measured at baseline, 2, and 4 months. In addition, glucose, total cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein- (VLDL-) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein- (HDL-) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were measured. Histological analysis of liver tissue was carried out following rats' euthanasia.
Results: Aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole and letrozole) affect calprotectin levels in ovariectomized rats. Calprotectin, a marker of inflammation, was found to be affected by the use of the inhibitors.
Conclusion: The potential of hepatotoxicity can be examined by assessing the elevation of inflammation markers such as Calprotectin, which is an indicator that should be strictly taken into consideration when administering aromatase inhibitors as treatment.
Keywords: Anastrozole; correlation of calprotectin with aromatase inhibitors; experiment; hepatotoxicity; letrozole; side effects; treatment for HRpositive breast cancer.
Copyright 2022, International Institute of Anticancer Research.