Previously, a significant elevation in the serum levels of
iron (Fe) was observed within a few days after the initiation of
cisplatin (CDDP)-based
chemotherapy. To clarify the underlying mechanisms, the serum concentration of
hepcidin, a negative regulator of Fe release, was determined in the clinical samples obtained from six patients with
cancer. The result showed that the serum concentration of
hepcidin in patients receiving CDDP-based
chemotherapy was significantly increased after 4-6 days of treatment, in comparison to the baseline level, suggesting that aforementioned excessive systemic Fe was not explained by the change of serum
hepcidin level. All these patients received
antiemetic premedication. We next evaluated of the effects of Pt-containing drugs and prophylactic
antiemetic dexamethasone medication on the serum concentration of trace metals in mice, and on the hepatic and renal concentration of trace metals. The serum concentrations of Fe, Cu, and Zn in the CDDP-treated and
oxaliplatin-treated mice were not significantly altered in comparison to those of the vehicle-treated control group. The serum concentrations of Fe, Cu, and Zn were increased after 24 h of
dexamethasone treatment, compared to those of the control group (P < 0.05). The hepatic concentration of Mn was significantly reduced, whereas those of Fe and Cu inclined to diminish. The present findings suggest that
dexamethasone can partly contribute to the changes in the serum concentrations of trace metals during anticancer
chemotherapy.