Effect of vitamin supplementation on cisplatin-induced intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis in Wistar/NIN rats

Vitamins and fatty acids against chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis

Chemotherapy has allowed an increase in cancer survivorship, but it causes important adverse effects. Mucositis affecting the gastrointestinal tract is one of the main problems acutely caused by many antineoplastic drugs, such as 5-fluorouracil or methotrexate. Mucositis may cause pain, diarrhea, anorexia, weight loss, systemic infections and even death. This narrative review focuses on intestinal mucositis and the role that some nutraceuticals, namely vitamins (both lipid- and water-soluble) as well as fatty acids (FAs) and lipid-based products, can have in it. In preclinical (cell cultures, animal models) and/or human studies, vitamins A, D, E, B2, B9 and C, omega-3 long-chain FAs (eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic, conjugated linoleic acid), short-chain FAs (mainly butyrate), medium-chain FAs (capric acid), and different lipid-based products (emu oil, extra-virgin olive oil, lipid replacement therapy), enriched in beneficial FAs and natural antioxidants, were shown to exert beneficial effects (both preventative and palliative) against chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis. Although the exact mechanisms of action involved in these effects are not yet well known, our review highlights the interest of investigating on diet and nutrition to implement scientifically robust strategies to improve protection of cancer patients against chemotherapy-induced adverse effects.

Schisandra B, a representative lignan from Schisandra chinensis, improves cisplatin-induced toxicity: An in vitro study

Schisandrin B (Scheme B) is the most abundant and active lignan monomer isolated from Schisandra chinensis. At present, most reports focus on its cardioprotective and hepatoprotective effects, however, the related reports on gastrointestinal protective effects are still limited. The study aims to evaluate the protective effect of Scheme B on cisplatin-induced rat intestinal crypt epithelial (IEC-6) cell injury and the possible molecular mechanisms. The results showed that Scheme B at 2.5, 5 and 10 μM could inhibit dose-dependently the reduction of cell activity induced by cisplatin exposure at 1 μM, decrease the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), while increasing glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) to alleviate oxidative stress injury in IEC-6 cell lines. Meanwhile, Scheme B could relieve cisplatin-induced apoptosis by regulating PI3K/AKT and the downstream caspase signaling pathway. The results from flow cytometry analysis and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) staining also demonstrated the anti-apoptosis effect of Scheme B. Furthermore, Scheme B was found to reduce the inflammation associated with cell damage by evaluating the protein expressions of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Importantly, Wnt/β-catenin, as a functional signaling pathway that drives intestinal self-recovery, was also in part regulated by Scheme B. In conclusion, Scheme B might alleviate cisplatin-induced IEC-6 cell damage by inhibiting oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and repairing intestinal barrier function. The present research provides a strong evidence that Scheme B may be a useful modulator in cisplatin-induced intestinal toxicity.

Characterization of a novel dual murine model of chemotherapy-induced oral and intestinal mucositis

Oral and intestinal mucositis are debilitating inflammatory diseases observed in cancer patients undergoing chemo-radiotherapy. These are devastating clinical conditions which often lead to treatment disruption affecting underlying malignancy management. Although alimentary tract mucositis involves the entire gastrointestinal tract, oral and intestinal mucositis are often studied independently utilizing distinct organ-specific pre-clinical models. This approach has however hindered the development of potentially effective whole-patient treatment strategies. We now characterize a murine model of alimentary tract mucositis using 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). Mice were given 5-FU intravenously (50 mg/kg) or saline every 48 h for 2 weeks. Post initial injection, mice were monitored clinically for weight loss and diarrhea. The incidence and extent of oral mucositis was assessed macroscopically. Microscopical and histomorphometric analyses of the tongue and intestinal tissues were conducted at 3 interim time points during the experimental period. Repeated 5-FU treatment caused severe oral and intestinal atrophy, including morphological damage, accompanied by body weight loss and mild to moderate diarrhea in up to 77.8% of mice. Oral mucositis was clinically evident throughout the observation period in 88.98% of mice. Toluidine blue staining of the tongue revealed that the ulcer size peaked at day-14. In summary, we have developed a model reproducing the clinical and histologic features of both oral and intestinal mucositis, which may represent a useful in vivo pre-clinical model for the study of chemotherapy-induced alimentary tract mucositis and the development of preventative therapies.

The Intestinal Redox System and Its Significance in Chemotherapy-Induced Intestinal Mucositis

Chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis (CIM) is a significant dose-limiting adverse reaction brought on by the cancer treatment. Multiple studies reported that reactive oxygen species (ROS) is rapidly produced during the initial stages of chemotherapy, when the drugs elicit direct damage to intestinal mucosal cells, which, in turn, results in necrosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ROS production. However, the mechanism behind the intestinal redox system-based induction of intestinal mucosal injury and necrosis of CIM is still undetermined. In this article, we summarized relevant information regarding the intestinal redox system, including the composition and regulation of redox enzymes, ROS generation, and its regulation in the intestine. We innovatively proposed the intestinal redox “Tai Chi” theory and revealed its significance in the pathogenesis of CIM. We also conducted an extensive review of the English language-based literatures involving oxidative stress (OS) and its involvement in the pathological mechanisms of CIM. From the date of inception till July 31, 2021, 51 related articles were selected. Based on our analysis of these articles, only five chemotherapeutic drugs, namely, MTX, 5-FU, cisplatin, CPT-11, and oxaliplatin were shown to trigger the ROS-based pathological mechanisms of CIM. We also discussed the redox system-mediated modulation of CIM pathogenesis via elaboration of the relationship between chemotherapeutic drugs and the redox system. It is our belief that this overview of the intestinal redox system and its role in CIM pathogenesis will greatly enhance research direction and improve CIM management in the future.

Potential Protective Effect of Riboflavin Against Pathological Changes in the Main Organs of Male Mice Induced by Fluoride Exposure

Long-term exposure to excessive fluorine could cause damage to various tissues and organs in human and animals. However, there is no effective antidote to prevent and cure fluorosis except for avoiding fluoride intake. As an essential nutrient, riboflavin (VB₂) has been identified to relieve oxidative stress and inflammation in animal tissues caused by other toxic substances, whether it can alleviate the damage caused by fluoride is unknown. For this, 32 ICR male mice were allocated to four groups of eight each. They were treated with 0 (distilled water), 100 mg/L sodium fluoride (NaF), 40 mg/L VB₂, and their combination (100 mg/L NaF plus 40 mg/L VB₂) via the drinking water for 90 consecutive days, respectively. The content of bone fluoride and the histomorphology of the main organs including liver, kidney, cerebral cortex, epididymis, small intestine, and colon were evaluated and pathologically scored. The results found that fluoride caused the pathological changes in liver, kidney, cerebral cortex, epididymis, small intestine, and colon at varying degrees, while riboflavin supplementation reduced significantly the accumulation of fluoride in bone, alleviated the morphological damage to cerebral cortex, epididymis, ileum, and colon. This study provides new clues for deeply exploring the mechanism of riboflavin intervention in fluorosis.

Se@Albumin nanoparticles ameliorate intestinal mucositis caused by cisplatin via gut microbiota-targeted regulation

Chemotherapy-associated intestinal mucositis is still one of the major challenges in the first-line clinical cancer treatment. Selenium element has shown health benefits on enteritis upon uptake in trace amounts; however, it was limited because of its narrow safety margin. In this work, a new form of Se@Albumin complex nanoparticles (Se@Albumin NPs) was developed by self-assembly of denatured human serum albumin and selenite salts. Se@Albumin NPs significantly improve intestinal mucositis induced with cisplatin (CDDP) in a mouse model via attenuating the level of intestinal oxidative stress, reducing intestinal permeability, and relieving gastric dysmotility. It is very interesting that the restoration of anti-inflammatory bacteria (Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes) and reduced abundance of proinflammatory bacteria (Escherichia) contributed to the reduction of intestinal mucositis by Se@Albumin NPs in mice. In addition, the fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) with materials from Se@Albumin NP-treated mice significantly protected pseudo-aseptic mice from CDDP-induced intestinal mucositis. In conclusion, our findings showed that Se@Albumin NPs can significantly improve CDDP-induced intestinal mucositis, and its function may be directly mediated by gut microbiota regulation, which will provide new helpful information for clinical treatment.

Intake of Lactobacillus delbrueckii (pExu:hsp65) Prevents the Inflammation and the Disorganization of the Intestinal Mucosa in a Mouse Model of Mucositis

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an antineoplastic drug that causes, as a side effect, intestinal mucositis, acute inflammation in the small bowel. The Heat Shock Protein (Hsp) are highly expressed in inflammatory conditions, developing an important role in immune modulation. Thus, they are potential candidates for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In the mucositis mouse model, the present study aimed to evaluate the beneficial effect of oral administration of milk fermented by Lactobacillus delbrueckii CIDCA 133 (pExu:hsp65), a recombinant strain. This approach showed increased levels of sIgA in the intestinal fluid, reducing inflammatory infiltrate and intestinal permeability. Additionally, the histological score was improved. Protection was associated with a reduction in the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Tnf, Il6, Il12, and Il1b, and an increase in Il10, Muc2, and claudin 1 (Cldn1) and 2 (Cldn2) gene expression in ileum tissue. These findings are corroborated with the increased number of goblet cells, the electronic microscopy images, and the reduction of intestinal permeability. The administration of milk fermented by this recombinant probiotic strain was also able to reverse the high levels of gene expression of Tlrs caused by the 5-FU. Thus, the rCIDCA 133:Hsp65 strain was revealed to be a promising preventive strategy for small bowel inflammation.

Bidirectional interaction between intestinal microbiome and cancer: opportunities for therapeutic interventions

Gut microbiota composition influences the balance between human health and disease. Increasing evidence suggests the involvement of microbial factors in regulating cancer development, progression, and therapeutic response. Distinct microbial species have been implicated in modulating gut environment and architecture that affects cancer therapy outcomes. While some microbial species offer enhanced cancer therapy response, others diminish cancer treatment efficacy. In addition, use of antibiotics, often to minimize infection risks in cancer, causes intestinal dysbiosis and proves detrimental. In this review we discuss the role of gut microbiota in cancer development and therapy. We also provide insights into future strategies to manipulate the microbiome and gut epithelial barrier to augment therapeutic responses while minimizing toxicity or infection risks.

The effect of rutin on cisplatin-induced oxidative cardiac damage in rats

Objective:

Cisplatin is an anticancer drug used for treating childhood solid tumors. Symptoms related to cisplatin-induced cardiovascular adverse effects may be mild or severe. Rutin (vitamin P1) has many properties, including as antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antiulcer, and tissue renewal properties. Therefore, we aimed to biochemically, histopathologically, and immunohistochemically demonstrate the effect of rutin on cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.

Methods:

The rats included in our study were divided into four groups: Healthy group (HE), 5-mg/kg cisplatin group (CP), 50 mg/kg rutin+5-mg/kg cisplatin (CR-50), 100-mg/kg rutin+5-mg/kg cisplatin (CR-100) group.

Results:

CP group administered cisplatin had significantly increased blood, serum, and cardiac tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), troponin I, creatine kinase (CK), and CK-MB levels compared to the HE group, whereas there was a significant decrease in the total glutathione (tGSH) levels. Rutin was observed to prevent the increase in MDA, IL-1β, TNF-α, troponin I, CK, and CK-MB levels as well as prevent the decrease in tGSH levels more significantly when administered at a 100-mg/kg dose than at a 50-mg/kg dose. Histopathologically, cardiac necrosis, dilated/congested blood vessels, hemorrhage, polymorphonuclear leukocyte, edema, and cells with pyknotic nuclei were observed in the CP group. Rutin was shown to prevent cisplatin-induced cardiac damage more effectively when used at a100-mg/kg dose than at a 50-mg/kg dose.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that rutin is useful for preventing cisplatin-related cardiovascular damage

Protective effect of the riboflavin-overproducing strain Lactobacillus plantarum CRL2130 on intestinal mucositis in mice

OBJECTIVES

Intestinal mucositis (IM) is a local inflammatory response that causes alterations of the intestinal structure that in turn affect nutrient absorption and a side effect that is commonly associated with cancer treatments. Lactobacillus plantarum CRL2130 is a riboflavin-overproducing strain that has previously been shown to provide antiinflammatory properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of this riboflavin-producing strain in a chemically induced murine mucositis model.

METHODS

Mucositis was induced by daily injections of 5-fluororacil (5-FU) after which mice were either given L. plantarum CRL2130, CRL725 (strain from which CRL2130 was derived that does not overproduce riboflavin), or commercial riboflavin twice daily during 6 d of chemotherapy agent injections. The effect of the strains and riboflavin was also evaluated in vitro using Caco-2 intestinal cancer cell cultures to determine if they interfere with 5-FU's anticancer activity.

RESULTS

The administration of L. plantarum CRL2130 significantly attenuated the pathologic changes induced by 5-FU in mice such as body weight loss, diarrhea, shortening of villus height, increases in proinflammatory cytokine concentrations, and elevated production of interleukin 10. In vitro assays using Caco-2 cells showed that the effectiveness of 5-FU was not affected by L. plantarum CRL2130 and that this strain exerted an inhibitory mechanism against oxidative stress.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that the riboflavin-overproducing strain L. plantarum CRL2130 could be useful to prevent mucositis during cancer treatments and would not affect the primary treatment.

Combined but not single administration of vitamin C and l-carnitine ameliorates cisplatin-induced gastric mucosa damage in male rats

Although cisplatin is a potent anticancer drug, it instigates oxidative and pro-inflammatory reactions that pose significant and distressing clinical symptoms. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of vitamin C and (or) l-carnitine on cisplatin-induced gastric mucosa damage in rat. The rats were allocated into 6 groups (n = 5). The control group received distilled water, while the treatment groups received cisplatin alone (CIP), or cisplatin with vitamin C, l-carnitine, or their combination. Cisplatin caused disruption of the gastric mucosa histoarchitecture and altered the mucus barrier function. Moreover, the stomach tissue of the CIP-treated group showed increased levels of oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde and H₂O₂) and decreased activities of antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase) and non-antioxidant (reduced glutathione) enzymes. These deleterious events were accompanied with significant increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory infiltration markers, myeloperoxidase and inducible nitric oxide synthase. However, the administration of both vitamin C and l-carnitine, and not either of the two showed additive effects in attenuating the adverse effects of cisplatin. The histological results agreed with the biochemical assays. The study concluded that the combined administration of vitamin C and l-carnitine, but not the single therapy, could prevent the adverse effects of cisplatin on gastric tissue.

Cisplatin-induced gastrointestinal toxicity: An update on possible mechanisms and on available gastroprotective strategies

Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum [II], CP) is most widely prescribed in chemotherapy and efficaciously treats diverse human cancers, with remission rates > 90% in testicular cancers. However, clinical use of CP is associated with numerous untoward side effects, in particular, at the gastrointestinal level that reduces the therapeutic efficacy of CP and often results in withdrawal of its clinical usage in long term cancer chemotherapy. Substantial strides have been made to identify effective protective strategies against CP-induced nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and ototoxicity. Unfortunately, very limited studies have focused on CP-induced gastrointestinal toxicity and advances in developing potent gastroprotective strategies/agents are still lacking. The current article reviews the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of CP, mechanisms underlying CP-induced gastrointestinal toxicity and lastly displays the potential approaches including plant-derived agents (phytochemicals) utilized to counteract CP-induced gastrointestinal dysfunction. Furthermore, the gastroprotective agents described in the experimental literature have shown partial protection against CP-induced intestinal damage. This stresses the need to ascertain new information on the underlying mechanism and to discover novel combinatorial strategies for the abrogation of CP-induced gastrointestinal toxicity.

Animal models of chemotherapy-induced mucositis: translational relevance and challenges

Chemotherapy for cancer patients induces damaging tissue reactions along the epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). This chemotherapy-induced mucositis (CIM) is a serious side effect of cytotoxic drugs, and several animal models of CIM have been developed, mainly in rodents and piglets, to help understand the progression of CIM and how to prevent it. Animal models allow highly controlled experimental conditions, detailed organ (e.g., GIT) insights, standardized, clinically relevant treatment regimens, and discovery of new biomarkers. Still, surprisingly few results from animal models have been translated into clinical CIM management and treatments. The results obtained from specific animal models can be difficult to translate to the diverse range of CIM manifestations in patients, which vary according to the antineoplastic drugs, dose, underlying (cancer) disease, and patient characteristics (e.g., age, genetics, and body constitution). Another factor that hinders the direct use of results from animals is inadequate collaboration between basic science and clinical science in relation to CIM. Here, we briefly describe CIM pathophysiology, particularly the basic knowledge that has been obtained from CIM animal models. These model studies have indicated potential new preventive and ameliorating interventions, including supplementation with natural bioactive diets (e.g., milk fractions, colostrum, and plant extracts), nutrients (e.g., polyunsaturated fatty acids, short-chain fatty acids, and glutamine), and growth factor peptides (e.g., transforming growth factor and glucagon-like peptide-2), as well as manipulations of the gut microbiota (e.g., prebiotics, probiotics, and antibiotics). Rodent CIM models allow well-controlled, in-depth studies of animals with or without tumors while pig models more easily make clinically relevant treatment regimens possible. In synergy, animal models of CIM provide the basic physiological understanding and the new ideas for treatment that are required to make competent decisions in clinical practice.

Oral administration of thymoquinone mitigates the effect of cisplatin on brush border membrane enzymes, energy metabolism and antioxidant system in rat intestine

Cisplatin (CP) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent that elicits severe gastrointestinal toxicity. Nigella sativa, a member of family Ranunculaceae, is one of the most revered medicinal plant known for its numerous health benefits. Thymoquinone (TQ), a major bioactive component derived from the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds, has been shown to improve gastrointestinal functions in animal models of acute gastric/intestinal injury. In view of this, the aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of TQ on CP induced toxicity in rat intestine and to elucidate the mechanism underlying these effects. Rats were divided into four groups viz. control, CP, TQ and CP+TQ. Animals in CP+TQ and TQ groups were orally administered TQ (1.5mg/kg bwt) with and without a single intraperitoneal dose of CP (6mg/kg bwt) respectively. The effect of TQ was determined on CP induced alterations in the activities of brush border membrane (BBM), carbohydrate metabolism, and antioxidant defense enzymes in rat intestine. TQ administration significantly mitigated CP induced decline in the specific activities of BBM marker enzymes, both in the mucosal homogenates and in the BBM vesicles (BBMV) prepared from intestinal mucosa. Furthermore, TQ administration restored the redox and metabolic status of intestinal mucosal tissue in CP treated rats. The biochemical results were supported by histopathological findings that showed extensive damage to intestine in CP treated rats and markedly preserved intestinal histoarchitecture in CP and TQ co-treated group. The biochemical and histological data suggest a protective effect of TQ against CP-induced gastrointestinal damage. Thus, TQ may have a potential for clinical application to counteract the accompanying gastrointestinal toxicity in CP chemotherapy.

Oral administration of Nigella sativa oil ameliorates the effect of cisplatin on brush border membrane enzymes, carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant system in rat intestine

Cisplatin (CP) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent that induces gastrointestinal toxicity. Nigella sativa oil (NSO) has been shown to be beneficial in a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders. The present study investigates the possible protective effect of NSO on CP-induced gastrointestinal toxicity. NSO administration (2ml/kg bwt, orally), prior to and following, a single dose CP treatment (6mg/kg bwt. ip), significantly attenuated the CP-induced decrease in brush border membrane (BBM) enzyme activities in intestinal homogenates and BBM vesicles (BBMV). NSO administration also mitigated CP induced alterations in the activities of carbohydrate metabolism enzymes and in the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant parameters in the intestine. The results suggest that NSO by empowering the endogenous antioxidant system improves intestinal redox and metabolic status and restores BBM integrity in CP treated rats. Histopathological studies supported the biochemical findings. Thus, NSO may help prevent the accompanying gastrointestinal dysfunction in CP chemotherapy.

Benefits of Selenium Supplementation on Leukocyte DNA Integrity Interact with Dietary Micronutrients: A Short Communication

A male cohort from New Zealand has previously shown variability in Selenium (Se) supplementation effects on measured biomarkers. The current analysis is to understand the reasons for variability of the H₂O₂-induced DNA damage recorded after Se supplementation. We have looked at the variation of demographic, lifestyle, medication, genetic and dietary factors and biomarkers measured at baseline and post-supplementation in these two extreme subgroups A and B. Group A showed increased H₂O₂-induced DNA damage and group B showed decreased damage after Se supplementation. We have also considered correlations of biomarkers and dietary factors in the complete dataset. The glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and DNA damage were significantly lower at post-supplementation in Group B compared to Group A. Post-supplementation, Group B showed a significant reduction in the GPx activity, while Group A showed a significant increase in DNA damage compared to baseline levels. Dietary methionine intake was significantly higher and folate intake was significantly lower in Group B compared to Group A. Se supplementation significantly increased the caspase-cleaved keratin 18 levels in both groups, indicating increased apoptotic potential of this supplement. Parameter correlation with the complete dataset showed dietary methionine to have a significant negative correlation with H₂O₂-induced DNA damage post-supplementation. The data suggest that Se supplementation is beneficial for the leukocyte DNA integrity only in interaction with the dietary methionine and folate intake.

Lactic acid bacteria as a cell factory for riboflavin production

Consumers are increasingly becoming aware of their health and nutritional requirements, and in this context, vitamins produced in situ by microbes may suit their needs and expectations. B groups vitamins are essential components of cellular metabolism and among them riboflavin is one of the vital vitamins required by bacteria, plants, animals and humans. Here, we focus on the importance of microbial production of riboflavin over chemical synthesis. In addition, genetic abilities for riboflavin biosynthesis by lactic acid bacteria are discussed. Genetically modified strains by employing genetic engineering and chemical analogues have been developed to enhance riboflavin production. The present review attempts to collect the currently available information on riboflavin production by microbes in general, while placing greater emphasis on food grade lactic acid bacteria and human gut commensals. For designing riboflavin‐enriched functional foods, proper selection and exploitation of riboflavin‐producing lactic acid bacteria is essential. Moreover, eliminating the in situ vitamin fortification step will decrease the cost of food production.

Salivary microbiota reflects changes in gut microbiota in cirrhosis with hepatic encephalopathy

Altered gut microbiome is associated with systemic inflammation and cirrhosis decompensation. However, the correlation of the oral microbiome with inflammation in cirrhosis is unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the oral microbiome in cirrhosis and compare with stool microbiome. Outpatients with cirrhosis (with/without hepatic encephalopathy [HE]) and controls underwent stool/saliva microbiome analysis (for composition and function) and also systemic inflammatory evaluation. Ninety-day liver-related hospitalizations were recorded. Salivary inflammation was studied using T helper 1 cytokines/secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA), histatins and lysozyme in a subsequent group. A total of 102 patients with cirrhosis (43 previous HE) and 32 age-matched controls were included. On principal component analysis (PCA), stool and saliva microbiome clustered far apart, showing differences between sites as a whole. In salivary microbiome, with previous HE, relative abundance of autochthonous families decreased whereas potentially pathogenic ones (Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae) increased in saliva. Endotoxin-related predicted functions were significantly higher in cirrhotic saliva. In stool microbiome, relative autochthonous taxa abundance reduced in previous HE, along with increased Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcaceae. Cirrhotic stool microbiota demonstrated a significantly higher correlation with systemic inflammation, compared to saliva microbiota, on correlation networks. Thirty-eight patients were hospitalized within 90 days. Their salivary dysbiosis was significantly worse and predicted this outcome independent of cirrhosis severity. Salivary inflammation was studied in an additional 86 age-matched subjects (43 controls/43 patients with cirrhosis); significantly higher interleukin (IL)-6/IL-1β, secretory IgA, and lower lysozyme, and histatins 1 and 5 were found in patients with cirrhosis, compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Dysbiosis, represented by reduction in autochthonous bacteria, is present in both saliva and stool in patients with cirrhosis, compared to controls. Patients with cirrhosis have impaired salivary defenses and worse inflammation. Salivary dysbiosis was greater in patients with cirrhosis who developed 90-day hospitalizations. These findings could represent a global mucosal-immune interface change in cirrhosis.

Effect of pre- and post-combined multidoses of epigallocatechin gallate and coenzyme Q10 on cisplatin-induced oxidative stress in rat kidney

The nephroprotective effect of coenzyme Q10 and epigallocatechin gallate was investigated in rats with acute renal injury induced by a single nephrotoxic dose of cisplatin. Two days prior to cisplatin administration, epigallocatechin gallate and coenzyme Q10 alone and in four different combinations were given for 6 days. The treatment with antioxidants significantly protected the cisplatin-induced increase in the levels of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. Both the antioxidants alone or in different combinations significantly compensated the increased malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels. Moreover, the decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and the concentration of selenium, zinc, and copper ions were significantly attenuated in renal tissue. In conclusion, epigallocatechin gallate and coenzyme Q10 are equally effective against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, whereas the intervention by combining these two antioxidants was found to be highly effective at low doses in attenuating oxidative stress in rat kidney.

Protective effect of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) on cisplatin induced ovarian damage in rat

Cisplatin is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents but injury may occur at higher doses. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bilberry on cisplatin induced toxic effects in rat ovary. Twenty-one female Wistar-Albino rats were utilized to form three groups: In group 1 (control group), each rat received intraperitoneal injection of 1 mL of 0.9 % NaCl saline solution during 10-days. In group 2 (cisplatin group), a single dose of 7.5 mg/kg b.w. cisplatin was given. In group 3 (cisplatin + bilberry group), a single dose of 7.5 mg/kg cisplatin and bilberry at 200 mg/kg b.w. were given for 10 days. Ovaries were surgically removed in all groups and prepared for biochemical and light microscopic investigations at the examination times. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) of tissue samples were measured. Histopathological damages in cisplatin administrated rats were seen such as severe edema, vascular congestion, hemorrhage and follicular degeneration in the ovary tissue. Moderate pathological alterations were observed in rats treated with bilberry plus cisplatin. Cisplatin administration significantly increased MDA production and decreased SOD, CAT, GPx and GST activities in the ovarian tissue when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Cisplatin + bilberry administration increased antioxidant enzymes activities and reduced MDA levels. Bilberry administration seems to reduce the cisplatin induced ovarian toxicity thus it alleviates free radical damage. But it dose not protect completely rat ovary tissues.

Review of preclinical studies on treatment of mucositis and associated pain

Oral mucositis is a significant problem in cancer patients treated with radiation or chemotherapy, often hindering definitive cancer treatment. For patients with oral mucositis, pain is the most distressing symptom, leading to loss of orofacial function and poor quality of life. While oral mucositis has been well-described, its pathophysiology is poorly understood. Oral health professionals treating patients with mucositis have almost no effective therapies to treat or prevent oral mucositis. The purpose of this review is to (1) describe the current preclinical models of oral mucositis and their contribution to the understanding of mucositis pathophysiology, (2) explore preclinical studies on therapies targeting mucositis and discuss the clinical trials that have resulted from these preclinical studies, and (3) describe the proposed pathophysiology of oral mucositis pain and preclinical modeling of oral mucositis pain.

Changes in the mucus barrier during cisplatin-induced intestinal mucositis in rats

AIM

Gastrointestinal mucositis is a frequent complication of antineoplastic chemotherapy, but the effects of chemotherapy on mucosal defense mechanisms remain poorly understood. We studied the effects of cisplatin on mucin, one of the principal defense factors of the gastrointestinal mucosa, and evaluated the efficacy of two different types of H2-receptor antagonists against cisplatin-induced mucositis.

METHODS

Cisplatin (6 mg/kg) was administered intravenously to rats (day 0). The rats were sacrificed 1, 3, 7, and 11 days after treatment, and their stomach, jejunum, ileum, and colon were removed. Immunoreactivity of the mucosa was compared with the use of anti-mucin monoclonal antibody. To evaluate the efficacy of H2-receptor antagonists, either famotidine (3 mg/kg) or lafutidine (30 mg/kg) was given orally once daily on days 0, 1, and 2. Histological and biochemical findings were compared among the groups to assess effects on cisplatin-induced injury.

RESULTS

Cisplatin significantly altered the immunoreactivity and content of mucin in the small intestinal mucosa, especially in the ileum. Lafutidine protected against cisplatin-induced mucosal injury and attenuated decreased mucin accumulation.

CONCLUSION

Cisplatin appears to alter the mucus barrier function in the intestinal mucosa. Lafutidine might effectively prevent chemotherapy-induced mucositis by activating intestinal mucus cells.

Exploration of the protection of riboflavin laurate on oral mucositis induced by chemotherapy or radiotherapy at the cellular level: what is the leading contributor?

Oral or gastrointestinal mucositis is a frequent phenomenon in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In addition, several clinical investigations have demonstrated in recent years that riboflavin laurate has the potential to protect the patients from the disease induced by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In our studies, it is observed that riboflavin laurate can ameliorate either chemotherapy- or radiotherapy-induced toxicities on Helf cells, and the effect is greater than that of riboflavin. In addition, riboflavin laurate is able to transport through the Caco-2 cell monolayer as the prototype, indicating the protective effects may be produced by the prototype of riboflavin laurate, rather than simply by the released riboflavin.