Assessment of GRB2 Dynamics vs. Bioimpedance Measurements as a Function of Systemic Infusion of “Magnetic Nanoparticle - Anti-HER2” in an Experimental Breast Cancer Model

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among the female population. Ablation Radiofrequency (RF) assisted with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) coupled to a monoclonal antibody anti-HER2 (Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) has been proposed as an alternative therapeutic technique, the concept behind the technical proposal is to change the tissue electrical conductivity by the use of MNPs, however, the local biochemical and bioimpedance effects of MNPs in cancerous tissue remain unknown, as a first approach to explore such effects caused by MNPs, the present work was focused on to assess biochemically the bioconjugated “MNPs - anti-HER2” systemic infusion effect on tumor tissue through studying the protein dynamics of the Growth Factor Receptor-Bound Protein 2 (GRB2) and its implication on the HER2 signaling pathway as well as its correlation with changes in bioimpedance measurement. A breast cancer model in rats in three specific conditions was evaluated by tissue immunostaining and bioimpedance measurements. Normal breast tissue (Healthy), Breast Cancer tissue (BC) and Breast Cancer tissue with MNPs (BC+MNPs). The results show that GRB2 protein expression in BC+MNPs is null or similar to Healthy, both compared with respect to BC. In addition, bioimpedance measurements are similar in BC+MNPs and Healthy conditions, and different values are evident in BC, those findings are in agreement with GRB2 expression. It seems that systemic bioconjugate infusion inhibits HER-2 signaling pathway and changes in the electrical conductivity of the tumor tissue.