THE EFFECT OF OPHIOCEPHALUS STRIATUS EXTRACT ON IL-6 SERUM LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH CANCER CACHEXIA

Abstract

Background: One of the most common manifestations of advanced cancer is the development of metabolic symptoms, known as cachexia. Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by continued loss of skeletal muscle mass (with or without fat loss) that cannot be completely repaired with conventional nutritional support and causes progressive functional disorders. Several studies have found an increase in IL-6 in advanced cancer. Increased IL-6 also increases the risk of developing cancer itself and also triggers cancer cachexia. Previous research on the administration of ophiocephalus striatus extract may decrease IL-6 levels. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the effect of ophiocephalus striatus extract on IL-6 serum levels in patients with cancer cachexia.

Methods: This study was held from January until August 2019 in Medan, Indonesia with pre-post test one group design. From all patients with cancer, thirty patients with cancer cachexia were included. IL-6 levels of research subjects were measured before and after the administration of Ophiocephalus striatus extract for 14 days.

Results: There was a very significant relationship between IL-6 before and after 14 days of Ophiocephalus Striatus extract administration (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: Serum IL-6 values decreased significantly after the administration of Ophiocephalus striatus extract in patients with cancer cachexia. There was an increased serum albumin levels of patients with cancer cachexia after administration of Ophiocephalus striatus extract 5000 mg twice daily for two weeks.