Cancer cell surface changes

In the intestine, saponins bind to mucosal cell membranes and change their physiology. Since the membranes of some cancer cells contain more cholesterol than do normal cells membranes [156], it is possible that saponins bind more to cancer cells and as a result induce their destruction. Since saponins are surface-active compounds that are not absorbed, their possible interaction with intestinal mucosal cell membranes must be emphasized. Because the average transit time of food is 24h, saponins can either in the intact or in the partly hydrolyzed form, remain in the intestine long enough to interact with free sterols and membrane lipids [157]. 

Recognize changes on cell-membrane virus-infected and cancer cells and destroy the cells. NKCs bind to surfaces of target cells and inject cytotoxic molecules into the cell membrane, destroying the cells. There are several types of cells that have NKC activity... 

Finally, clearance may change over time for macromolecules whose clearance is mediated by cell surface receptors and, in the case of mABs, antigens. This is illustrated by an experiment in three patients with metastatic breast cancer who received G-CSF for two consecutive days as a continuous infusion (45). Absolute neutrophil counts were obtained every morning and there was a very strong positive correlation between neutrophil count and G-CSF clearance (Figure 32.12). Clearance on day 2 was 4.6 mL/hr/kg, increasing to 8.3 mL/hr/kg on day 9. Thus, neutrophil production may mediate the clearance of G-CSF. 

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