Segmental Differences in Radiation-Induced Alterations of Tight Junction-Related Proteins in Non-Human Primate Jejunum, Ileum and Colon

Bacterial supplementation in mitigation of radiation-induced gastrointestinal damage

Pelvic irradiation, a crucial treatment for pelvic malignancies, is associated with the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) damage due to the high proliferation rate of epithelial cells. The radiosensitive gastrointestinal tract acts as a dose-limiting organ. High doses of ionizing radiation can cause inflammation and rupture of mucosal barriers and can also lead to intestinal fibrosis. Intestinal damage can cause acute to chronic complications, reducing patients' quality of life. The gut microbiota plays a vital role in maintaining gut health, and any changes in the gut microbial composition can worsen damage, emphasizing the importance of therapies that target and sustain the gut microbiota during radiotherapy. One potential strategy to prevent radiation-induced GI damage is to use bacterial supplements. Research suggests that probiotic supplementation may alleviate radiation-induced gastrointestinal damage, maintaining intestinal morphology and decreasing epithelial injury in cancer patients. The observed protective effects occur through various mechanisms, including antioxidant activities, modulation of the immune response, and preservation of gut barrier function. To optimize probiotic therapies, it is imperative to elucidate these mechanisms. The efficiency of probiotics as radioprotectors is highly dependent on the time and dose of administration, and their interaction with the host immune system is a key facet of their therapeutic potential. This review explores the potential benefits of bacterial supplementation in mitigating radiation-induced GI damage and the underlying mechanism. This highlights the need for further research to establish standardized protocols and refine probiotic supplementation strategies, underscoring the potential for enhancing therapeutic outcomes in patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy.

Radiation-Induced Intestinal Injury: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Status

Radiation-induced intestinal injury is one of the most common intestinal complications caused by pelvic and abdominal tumor radiotherapy, severely impacting patients' quality of life. Ionizing radiation, while killing tumor cells, inevitably damages healthy tissue. Radiation-induced enteropathy results from radiation therapy-induced intestinal tissue damage and inflammatory responses. This damage involves various complex molecular mechanisms, including cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, release of inflammatory mediators, disruption of immune responses, and imbalance of intestinal microbiota. A thorough understanding of these molecular mechanisms is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Intravenous immunoglobulin protects the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier and inhibits ferroptosis induced by radiation exposure by activating the mTOR pathway

Radiation exposure often leads to serious health problems in humans. The intestinal epithelium is sensitive to radiation damage, and radiation causes destruction of the intestinal epithelial barrier, which leads to radiation enteritis (RE), the loss of fluids, and the translocation of intestinal bacteria and toxins; radiation can even threaten survival. In this study, we aimed to explore the influence of IVIg on the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier after RE. Using a RE mouse model, we investigated the protective effects of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) on the epithelial junctions of RE mice and validated these findings with intestinal organoids cultured in vitro. In addition, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), western blotting (WB) and immunostaining were used to further investigate changes in intestinal epithelial ferroptosis and related signaling pathways. When RE occurs, the intestinal epithelial barrier is severely damaged. IVIg treatment significantly ameliorated this damage to epithelial tight junctions both in vivo and in vitro. Notably, IVIg alleviated RE by inhibiting intestinal epithelial ferroptosis in RE mice. Mechanistically, IVIg promoted activation of the mTOR pathway and inhibited ferroptosis in the intestinal epithelium of mice. Rapamycin, which is a potent inhibitor of the mTOR protein, significantly abolished the protective effect of IVIg against radiation-induced damage to intestinal epithelial tight junctions. Overall, IVIg can prevent RE-induced damage to the intestinal epithelial barrier and inhibit ferroptosis by activating the mTOR pathway; this study provides a new treatment strategy for patients with RE caused by radiotherapy or accidental nuclear exposure.

Chronic Ouabain Targets Pore-Forming Claudin-2 and Ameliorates Radiation-Induced Damage to the Rat Intestinal Tissue Barrier

Ionizing radiation (IR) causes disturbances in the functions of the gastrointestinal tract. Given the therapeutic potential of ouabain, a specific ligand of the Na,K-ATPase, we tested its ability to protect against IR-induced disturbances in the barrier and transport properties of the jejunum and colon of rats. Male Wistar rats were subjected to 6-day intraperitoneal injections of vehicle or ouabain (1 µg/kg/day). On the fourth day of injections, rats were exposed to total-body X-ray irradiation (10 Gy) or a sham irradiation. Isolated tissues were examined 72 h post-irradiation. Electrophysiological characteristics and paracellular permeability for sodium fluorescein were measured in an Ussing chamber. Histological analysis and Western blotting were also performed. In the jejunum tissue, ouabain exposure did not prevent disturbances in transepithelial resistance, paracellular permeability, histological characteristics, as well as changes in the expression of claudin-1, -3, -4, tricellulin, and caspase-3 induced by IR. However, ouabain prevented overexpression of occludin and the pore-forming claudin-2. In the colon tissue, ouabain prevented electrophysiological disturbances and claudin-2 overexpression. These observations may reveal a mechanism by which circulating ouabain maintains tight junction integrity under IR-induced intestinal dysfunction.

Radiation-Induced Intestinal Injury: Injury Mechanism and Potential Treatment Strategies

Radiation-induced intestinal injury (RIII) is one of the most common intestinal complications caused by radiotherapy for pelvic and abdominal tumors and it seriously affects the quality of life of patients. However, the treatment of acute RIII is essentially symptomatic and nutritional support treatment and an ideal means of prevention and treatment is lacking. Researchers have conducted studies at the cellular and animal levels and found that some chemical or biological agents have good therapeutic effects on RIII and may be used as potential candidates for clinical treatment. This article reviews the injury mechanism and potential treatment strategies based on cellular and animal experiments to provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of RIII in clinical settings.

X-ray radiation-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction in human epithelial Caco-2 cell monolayers

Radiation therapy and unwanted radiological or nuclear exposure, such as nuclear plant accidents, terrorist attacks, and military conflicts, pose serious health issues to humans. Dysfunction of the intestinal epithelial barrier and the leakage of luminal antigens and bacteria across the barrier have been linked to various human diseases. Intestinal permeability is regulated by intercellular structures, termed tight junctions (TJs), which are disrupted after radiation exposure. In this study, we investigated radiation-induced alterations in TJ-related proteins in an intestinal epithelial cell model. Caco-2 cells were irradiated with 2, 5, and 10 Gy and harvested 1 and 24 h after X-ray exposure. The trypan blue assay revealed that cell viability was reduced in a dose-dependent manner 24 h after X-ray exposure compared to that of non-irradiated cells. However, the WST-8 assay revealed that cell proliferation was significantly reduced only 24 h after radiation exposure to 10 Gy compared to that of non-irradiated cells. In addition, a decreased growth rate and increased doubling time were observed in cells irradiated with X-rays. Intestinal permeability was significantly increased, and transepithelial electrical resistance values were remarkably reduced in Caco-2 cell monolayers irradiated with X-rays compared to non-irradiated cells. X-ray irradiation significantly decreased the mRNA and protein levels of ZO-1, occludin, claudin-3, and claudin-4, with ZO-1 and claudin-3 protein levels decreasing in a dose-dependent manner. Overall, the present study reveals that exposure to X-ray induces dysfunction of the human epithelial intestinal barrier and integrity via the downregulation of TJ-related genes, which may be a key factor contributing to intestinal barrier damage and increased intestinal permeability.

Selective Role of TNFα and IL10 in Regulation of Barrier Properties of the Colon in DMH-Induced Tumor and Healthy Rats

Recently it has been reported that the tumor adjacent colon tissues of 1,2-dymethylhydrazine induced (DMH)-rats revealed a high paracellular permeability. We hypothesized that the changes might be induced by cytokines. Colorectal cancer is accompanied by an increase in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin 10 (IL10) that exert opposite regulatory effects on barrier properties of the colon, which is characterized by morphological and functional segmental heterogeneity. The aim of this study was to analyze the level of TNFα and IL10 in the colon segments of DMH-rats and to investigate their effects on barrier properties of the proximal and distal parts of the colon in healthy rats. Enzyme immunoassay analysis showed decreased TNFα in tumors in the distal part of the colon and increased IL10 in proximal tumors and in non-tumor tissues. Four-hour intraluminal exposure of the colon of healthy rats with cytokines showed reduced colon barrier function dependent on the cytokine: TNFα decreased it mainly in the distal part of the colon, whereas IL10 decreased it only in the proximal part. Western blot analysis revealed a more pronounced influence of IL10 on tight junction (TJ) proteins expression by down-regulation of the TJ proteins claudin-1, -2 and -4, and up-regulation of occludin only in the proximal part of the colon. These data may indicate a selective role of the cytokines in regulation of the barrier properties of the colon and a prominent role of IL10 in carcinogenesis in its proximal part.

Minimally invasive biomarkers in human and non-human primate evolutionary biology: Tools for understanding variation and adaptation

BACKGROUND

The use of minimally invasive biomarkers (MIBs - physiological biomarkers obtained from minimally invasive sample types) has expanded rapidly in science and medicine over the past several decades. The MIB approach is a methodological strength in the field of human and non-human primate evolutionary biology (HEB). Among humans and our closest relatives, MIBs provide unique opportunities to document phenotypic variation and to operationalize evolutionary hypotheses.

AIMS

This paper overviews the use of MIBs in HEB. Our objectives are to (1) highlight key research topics which successfully implement MIBs, (2) identify promising yet under-investigated areas of MIB application, and (3) discuss current challenges in MIB research, with suggestions for advancing the field.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

A range of MIBs are used to investigate focal topics in HEB, including energetics and life history variation/evolution, developmental plasticity, and social status and dominance relationships. Nonetheless, we identify gaps in existing MIB research on traits such as physical growth and gut function that are central to the field. Several challenges remain for HEB research using MIBs, including the need for additional biomarkers and methods of assessment, robust validations, and approaches that are standardized across labs and research groups. Importantly, researchers must provide better support for adaptation and fitness effects in hypothesis testing (e.g., by obtaining complementary measures of energy expenditure, demonstrating redundancy of function, and performing lifetime/longitudinal analyses). We point to continued progress in the use of MIBs in HEB to better understand the past, present, and future of humans and our closest primate relatives.

Effects of Gamma-Tocotrienol on Partial-Body Irradiation-Induced Intestinal Injury in a Nonhuman Primate Model

Exposure to high doses of radiation, accidental or therapeutic, often results in gastrointestinal (GI) injury. To date, there are no therapies available to mitigate GI injury after radiation exposure. Gamma-tocotrienol (GT3) is a promising radioprotector under investigation in nonhuman primates (NHP). We have shown that GT3 has radioprotective function in intestinal epithelial and crypt cells in NHPs exposed to 12 Gy total-body irradiation (TBI). Here, we determined GT3 potential in accelerating the GI recovery in partial-body irradiated (PBI) NHPs using X-rays, sparing 5% bone marrow. Sixteen rhesus macaques were treated with either vehicle or GT3 24 h prior to 12 Gy PBI. Structural injuries and crypt survival were examined in proximal jejunum on days 4 and 7. Plasma citrulline was assessed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Crypt cell proliferation and apoptotic cell death were evaluated using Ki-67 and TUNEL staining. PBI significantly decreased mucosal surface area and reduced villous height. Interestingly, GT3 increased crypt survival and enhanced stem cell proliferation at day 4; however, the effects seemed to be minimized by day 7. GT3 did not ameliorate a radiation-induced decrease in citrulline levels. These data suggest that X-rays induce severe intestinal injury post-PBI and that GT3 has minimal radioprotective effect in this novel model.

Effects of Gamma-Tocotrienol on Intestinal Injury in a GI-Specific Acute Radiation Syndrome Model in Nonhuman Primate

The gastrointestinal (GI) system is highly susceptible to irradiation. Currently, there is no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medical countermeasures for GI radiation injury. The vitamin E analog gamma-tocotrienol (GT3) is a promising radioprotector in mice and nonhuman primates (NHP). We evaluated GT3-mediated GI recovery in total-body irradiated (TBI) NHPs. Sixteen rhesus macaques were divided into two groups; eight received vehicle and eight GT3 24 h prior to 12 Gy TBI. Proximal jejunum was assessed for structural injuries and crypt survival on day 4 and 7. Apoptotic cell death and crypt cell proliferation were assessed with TUNEL and Ki-67 immunostaining. Irradiation induced significant shortening of the villi and reduced mucosal surface area. GT3 induced an increase in crypt depth at day 7, suggesting that more stem cells survived and proliferated after irradiation. GT3 did not influence crypt survival after irradiation. GT3 treatment caused a significant decline in TUNEL-positive cells at both day 4 (p < 0.03) and 7 (p < 0.0003). Importantly, GT3 induced a significant increase in Ki-67-positive cells at day 7 (p < 0.05). These data suggest that GT3 has radioprotective function in intestinal epithelial and crypt cells. GT3 should be further explored as a prophylactic medical countermeasure for radiation-induced GI injury.

The Natural History of Acute Radiation-induced H-ARS and Concomitant Multi-organ Injury in the Non-human Primate: The MCART Experience

ABSTRACT

The dose response relationship and corresponding values for mid-lethal dose and slope are used to define the dose- and time-dependent parameters of the hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome. The characteristic time course of mortality, morbidity, and secondary endpoints are well defined. The concomitant comorbidities, potential mortality, and other multi-organ injuries that are similarly dose- and time-dependent are less defined. Determination of the natural history or pathophysiology associated with the lethal hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome is a significant gap in knowledge, especially when considered in the context of a nuclear weapon scenario. In this regard, the exposure is likely ill-defined, heterogenous, and nonuniform. These conditions forecast sparing of bone marrow and increased survival from the acute radiation syndrome consequent to threshold doses for the delayed effects of acute radiation exposure due to marrow sparing, medical management, and use of approved medical countermeasures. The intent herein is to provide a composite natural history of the pathophysiology concomitant with the evolution of the potentially lethal hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome derived from studies that focused on total body irradiation and partial body irradiation with bone marrow sparing. The marked differential in estimated LD50/60 from 7.5 Gy to 10.88 Gy for the total body irradiation and partial body irradiation with 5% bone marrow sparing models, respectively, provided a clear distinction between the attendant multiple organ injury and natural history of the two models that included medical management. Total body irradiation was focused on equivalent LD50/60 exposures. The 10 Gy and 11 Gy partial body with 5% bone marrow sparing exposures bracketed the LD50/60 (10.88 Gy). The incidence, progression, and duration of multiple organ injury was described for each exposure protocol within the hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome. The higher threshold doses for the partial body irradiation with bone marrow sparing protocol induced a marked degree of multiple organ injury to include lethal gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome, prolonged crypt loss and mucosal damage, immune suppression, acute kidney injury, body weight loss, and added clinical comorbidities that defined a complex timeline of organ injury through the acute hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome. The natural history of the acute radiation syndrome presents a 60-d time segment of multi-organ sequelae that is concomitant with the latent period or time to onset of the evolving multi-organ injury of the delayed effects of acute radiation exposure.

Intestinal mucositis precedes dysbiosis in a mouse model for pelvic irradiation

Pelvic radiotherapy is known to evoke intestinal mucositis and dysbiosis. Currently, there are no effective therapies available to mitigate these injuries, which is partly due to a lack of insight into the events causing mucositis and dysbiosis. Here, the complex interplay between the murine host and its microbiome following pelvic irradiation was mapped by characterizing intestinal mucositis along with extensive 16S microbial profiling. We demonstrated important morphological and inflammatory implications within one day after exposure, thereby impairing intestinal functionality and inducing translocation of intraluminal bacteria into mesenteric lymph nodes as innovatively quantified by flow cytometry. Concurrent 16S microbial profiling revealed a delayed impact of pelvic irradiation on beta diversity. Analysis of composition of microbiomes identified biomarkers for pelvic irradiation. Among them, members of the families Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Porphyromonadaceae were differentially affected. Altogether, our unprecedented findings showed how pelvic irradiation evoked structural and functional changes in the intestine, which secondarily resulted in a microbiome shift. Therefore, the presented in vivo irradiation-gut-microbiome platform allows further research into the pathobiology of pelvic irradiation-induced intestinal mucositis and resultant dysbiosis, as well as the exploration of mitigating treatments including drugs and food supplements.

Differential Recovery of Small Intestinal Segments after Partial-Body Irradiation in Non-Human Primates

In the event of a radiological attack or accident, it is more likely that the absorbed radiation dose will be heterogeneous, rather than uniformly distributed throughout the body. This type of uneven dose distribution is known as partial-body irradiation (PBI). Partial exposure of the vital organs, specifically the highly radiosensitive intestines, may cause death, if the injury is significant and the post-exposure recovery is considerably compromised. Here we investigated the recovery rate and extent of recovery from PBI-induced intestinal damage in large animals. Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) were randomly divided into four groups: sham-irradiated (0 Gy), 8 Gy PBI, 11 Gy PBI and 14 Gy PBI. A single dose of ionizing radiation was delivered in the abdominal region using a uniform bilateral anteroposterior and posteroanterior technique. Irradiated animals were scheduled for euthanasia on days 10, 28 or 60 postirradiation, and sham-irradiated animals on day 60. Intestinal structural injuries were assessed via crypt depth, villus height, and mucosal surface length in the four different intestinal regions (duodenum, proximal jejunum, distal jejunum and ileum) using H&E staining. Higher radiation doses corresponded with more injury at 10 days post-PBI, and faster recovery. However, at 60 days post-PBI, damage was still evident in all regions of the intestine. The proximal and distal ends (duodenum and ileum, respectively) sustained less damage and recovered more fully than the jejunum.

An Amino Acid-Based Oral Rehydration Solution Regulates Radiation-Induced Intestinal Barrier Disruption in Mice

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy inadvertently affects gastrointestinal (GI) epithelial cells, causing intestinal barrier disruption and increased permeability.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the effect of amino acid-based oral rehydration solution (AA-ORS) on radiation-induced changes of intestinal barrier function and epithelial tight junctions (TJs) in a randomized experimental study using a total-body irradiation (TBI) mouse model.

METHODS

Eight-week-old male Swiss mice received a single-dose TBI (0, 1, 3, or 5 Gy), and subsequent gastric gavage with AA-ORS (threonine, valine, serine, tyrosine, and aspartic acid) or saline for 2 or 6 d. Intestinal barrier function of mouse ileum was characterized by electrophysiological analysis of conductance, anion selectivity, and paracellular permeability [fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran]. Ultrastructural changes of TJs were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. Membrane protein and mRNA expression of claudin-1, -2, -3, -5, and -7, occludin, and E-cadherin were analyzed with western blot, qPCR, and immunohistochemistry. Nonparametric tests were used to compare treatment-dose differences for each time point.

RESULTS

Saline-treated mice had a higher conductance at doses as low as 3 Gy, and as early as 2 d post-TBI compared with 0 Gy (P < 0.001). Paracellular permeability and dilution potential were increased 6 d after 5 Gy TBI (P < 0.001). Conductance decreased with AA-ORS after 2 d in 3-Gy and 5-Gy mice (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001), and on day 6 after 5 Gy TBI (P < 0.001). Anion selectivity and FITC permeability decreased from 0.73 ± 0.02 to 0.61 ± 0.03 pCl/pNa (P < 0.01) and from 2.7 ± 0.1 × 105 to 2.1 ± 0.1 × 105 RFU (P < 0.001) in 5-Gy mice treated with AA-ORS for 6 d compared with saline. Irradiation-induced ultrastructural changes of TJs characterized by decreased electron density and gap formation improved with AA-ORS. Reduced claudin-1, -3, and -7 membrane expression after TBI recovered with AA-ORS within 6 d, whereas claudin-2 decreased indicating restitution of TJ proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiation-induced functional and structural disruption of the intestinal barrier in mice is reversed by AA-ORS rendering AA-ORS a potential treatment option in prospective clinical trials in patients with gastrointestinal barrier dysfunction.

Gut commensal bacteria, Paneth cells and their relations to radiation enteropathy

In steady state, the intestinal epithelium forms an important part of the gut barrier to defend against luminal bacterial attack. However, the intestinal epithelium is compromised by ionizing irradiation due to its inherent self-renewing capacity. In this process, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is a critical event that reciprocally alters the immune milieu. In other words, intestinal bacterial dysbiosis induces inflammation in response to intestinal injuries, thus influencing the repair process of irradiated lesions. In fact, it is accepted that commensal bacteria can generally enhance the host radiation sensitivity. To address the determination of radiation sensitivity, we hypothesize that Paneth cells press a critical “button” because these cells are central to intestinal health and disease by using their peptides, which are responsible for controlling stem cell development in the small intestine and luminal bacterial diversity. Herein, the most important question is whether Paneth cells alter their secretion profiles in the situation of ionizing irradiation. On this basis, the tolerance of Paneth cells to ionizing radiation and related mechanisms by which radiation affects Paneth cell survival and death will be discussed in this review. We hope that the relevant results will be helpful in developing new approaches against radiation enteropathy.

Methionine dietary supplementation potentiates ionizing radiation-induced gastrointestinal syndrome

Methionine is an essential amino acid needed for a variety of processes in living organisms. Ionizing radiation depletes tissue methionine concentrations and leads to the loss of DNA methylation and decreased synthesis of glutathione. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of methionine dietary supplementation in CBA/CaJ mice after exposure to doses ranging from 3 to 8.5 Gy of ¹³⁷Cs of total body irradiation. We report that mice fed a methionine-supplemented diet (MSD; 19.5 vs. 6.5 mg/kg in a methionine-adequate diet, MAD) developed acute radiation toxicity at doses as low as 3 Gy. Partial body irradiation performed with hindlimb shielding resulted in a 50% mortality rate in MSD-fed mice exposed to 8.5 Gy, suggesting prevalence of radiation-induced gastrointestinal syndrome in the development of acute radiation toxicity. Analysis of the intestinal microbiome demonstrated shifts in the gut ecology, observed along with the development of leaky gut syndrome and bacterial translocation into the liver. Normal gut physiology impairment was facilitated by alterations in the one-carbon metabolism pathway and was exhibited as decreases in circulating citrulline levels mirrored by decreased intestinal mucosal surface area and the number of surviving crypts. In conclusion, we demonstrate that a relevant excess of methionine dietary intake exacerbates the detrimental effects of exposure to ionizing radiation in the small intestine.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Methionine supplementation, instead of an anticipated health-promoting effect, sensitizes mice to gastrointestinal radiation syndrome. Mechanistically, excess of methionine negatively affects intestinal ecology, leading to a cascade of physiological, biochemical, and molecular alterations that impair normal gut response to a clinically relevant genotoxic stressor. These findings speak toward increasing the role of registered dietitians during cancer therapy and the necessity of a solid scientific background behind the sales of dietary supplements and claims regarding their benefits.

NZO/HlLtJ as a novel model for the studies on the role of metabolic syndrome in acute radiation toxicity

Purpose: Growing rates of metabolic syndrome and associated obesity warrant the development of appropriate animal models for better understanding of how those conditions may affect sensitivity to IR exposure.Materials and methods: We subjected male NZO/HlLtJ mice, a strain prone to spontaneous obesity and diabetes, to 0, 5.5, 6.37, 7.4 or 8.5 Gy (137Cs) of total body irradiation (TBI). Mice were monitored for 30 days, after which proximal jejunum and colon tissues were collected for further histological and molecular analysis.Results: Obese NZO/HlLtJ male mice are characterized by their lower sensitivity to IR at doses of 6.37 Gy and under, compared to other strains. Further escalation of the dose, however, results in a steep survival curve, reaching LD100/30 values at a dose of 8.5 Gy. Alterations in the expression of various tight junction-related proteins coupled with activation of inflammatory responses and cell death were the main contributors to the gastrointestinal syndrome.Conclusions: We demonstrate that metabolic syndrome with exhibited hyperglycemia but without alterations to the microvasculature is not a pre-requisite of the increased sensitivity to TBI at high doses. Our studies indicate the potential of NZO/HlLtJ mice for the studies on the role of metabolic syndrome in acute radiation toxicity.

C/EBPδ protects from radiation-induced intestinal injury and sepsis by suppression of inflammatory and nitrosative stress

Ionizing radiation (IR)-induced intestinal damage is characterized by a loss of intestinal crypt cells, intestinal barrier disruption and translocation of intestinal microflora resulting in sepsis-mediated lethality. We have shown that mice lacking C/EBPδ display IR-induced intestinal and hematopoietic injury and lethality. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether increased IR-induced inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress promote intestinal injury and sepsis-mediated lethality in Cebpd^−/− mice. We found that irradiated Cebpd^−/− mice show decreased villous height, crypt depth, crypt to villi ratio and expression of the proliferation marker, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, indicative of intestinal injury. Cebpd^−/− mice show increased expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (Il-6, Tnf-α) and chemokines (Cxcl1, Mcp-1, Mif-1α) and Nos2 in the intestinal tissues compared to Cebpd^+/+ mice after exposure to TBI. Cebpd^−/− mice show decreased GSH/GSSG ratio, increased S-nitrosoglutathione and 3-nitrotyrosine in the intestine indicative of basal oxidative and nitrosative stress, which was exacerbated by IR. Irradiated Cebpd-deficient mice showed upregulation of Claudin-2 that correlated with increased intestinal permeability, presence of plasma endotoxin and bacterial translocation to the liver. Overall these results uncover a novel role for C/EBPδ in protection against IR-induced intestinal injury by suppressing inflammation and nitrosative stress and underlying sepsis-induced lethality.

Predicting mucositis risk associated with cytotoxic cancer treatment regimens: rationale, complexity, and challenges

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The goals of this review are to describe the complexity of factors influencing the risk of cancer regimen-related mucosal injury (CRRMI), to evaluate the contribution of the innate immune response to CRRMI risk, to compare the concordance of genome analytics in describing mechanism and risk, and to determine if common biological pathways are noted when CRRMI is compared to a disease with a similar phenotype.

RECENT FINDINGS

The pathogenesis of and risk for CRRMI are complex and influenced by multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors. It is incumbent on analyses to recognize the likelihood that the interplay and cross-talk of synergistically expressed factors is critical and that the contributing weights of these factors is not uniform from patient to patient. Genomically derived analyses imply final common pathways are implicit in phenotype expression.

SUMMARY

The identification of specific factors (both genomic and otherwise) which contribute to CRRMI risk represents an important opportunity to apply principles of precision medicine to the management of regimen-related toxicities.

Food Supplements to Mitigate Detrimental Effects of Pelvic Radiotherapy

Pelvic radiotherapy has been frequently reported to cause acute and late onset gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although the underlying mechanisms of pelvic radiation-induced GI toxicity are poorly understood, they are known to involve a complex interplay between all cell types comprising the intestinal wall. Furthermore, increasing evidence states that the human gut microbiome plays a role in the development of radiation-induced health damaging effects. Gut microbial dysbiosis leads to diarrhea and fatigue in half of the patients. As a result, reinforcement of the microbiome has become a hot topic in various medical disciplines. To counteract GI radiotoxicities, apart from traditional pharmacological compounds, adjuvant therapies are being developed including food supplements like vitamins, prebiotics, and probiotics. Despite the easy, cheap, safe, and feasible approach to protect patients against acute radiation-induced toxicity, clinical trials have yielded contradictory results. In this review, a detailed overview is given of the various clinical, intestinal manifestations after pelvic irradiation as well as the role of the gut microbiome herein. Furthermore, whilst discussing possible strategies to prevent these symptoms, food supplements are presented as auspicious, prophylactic, and therapeutic options to mitigate acute pelvic radiation-induced GI injury by exploring their molecular mechanisms of action.

Gamma-Tocotrienol Protects the Intestine from Radiation Potentially by Accelerating Mesenchymal Immune Cell Recovery

Natural antioxidant gamma-tocotrienol (GT3), a vitamin E family member, provides intestinal radiation protection. We seek to understand whether this protection is mediated via mucosal epithelial stem cells or sub-mucosal mesenchymal immune cells. Vehicle- or GT3-treated male CD2F1 mice were exposed to total body irradiation (TBI). Cell death was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Villus height and crypt depth were measured with computer-assisted software in tissue sections. Functional activity was determined with an intestinal permeability assay. Immune cell recovery was measured with immunohistochemistry and Western blot, and the regeneration of intestinal crypts was assessed with ex vivo organoid culture. A single dose of GT3 (200 mg/kg body weight (bwt)) administered 24 h before TBI suppressed cell death, prevented a decrease in villus height, increased crypt depth, attenuated intestinal permeability, and upregulated occludin level in the intestine compared to the vehicle treated group. GT3 accelerated mesenchymal immune cell recovery after irradiation, but it did not promote ex vivo organoid formation and failed to enhance the expression of stem cell markers. Finally, GT3 significantly upregulated protein kinase B or AKT phosphorylation after TBI. Pretreatment with GT3 attenuates TBI-induced structural and functional damage to the intestine, potentially by facilitating intestinal immune cell recovery. Thus, GT3 could be used as an intestinal radioprotector.

The Gastrointestinal Subsyndrome of the Acute Radiation Syndrome in Rhesus Macaques: A Systematic Review of the Lethal Dose-response Relationship With and Without Medical Management

Well-characterized animal models that mimic the human response to potentially lethal doses of radiation are required to assess the efficacy of medical countermeasures under the criteria of the US Food and Drug Administration's Animal Rule. Development of a model for the gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome requires knowledge of the radiation dose-response relationship and time course of mortality and morbidity across the acute and prolonged gastrointestinal radiation syndrome. The nonhuman primate, rhesus macaque, is a relevant animal model that has been used to determine the efficacy of medical countermeasures to mitigate major signs of morbidity and mortality relative to the hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome, gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome, and lung injury. It can be used to assess the natural history of gastrointestinal damage, concurrent multiple organ injury, and aspects of the mechanism of action for acute radiation exposure and treatment. A systematic review of relevant studies that determined the dose-response relationship for the gastrointestinal acute and prolonged radiation syndrome in the rhesus macaque relative to radiation dose, quality, dose rate, exposure uniformity, and use of medical management has never been performed.

Effects of a novel peptide Ac-SDKP in radiation-induced coronary endothelial damage and resting myocardial blood flow

Background

Cancer survivors treated with thoracic ionizing radiation are at higher risk of premature death due to myocardial ischemia. No therapy is currently available to prevent or mitigate these effects. We tested the hypothesis that an endogenous tetrapeptide N-acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro (Ac-SDKP) counteracts radiation-induced coronary vascular fibrosis and endothelial cell loss and preserves myocardial blood flow.

Methods

We examined a rat model with external-beam-radiation exposure to the cardiac silhouette. We treated a subgroup of irradiated rats with subcutaneous Ac-SDKP for 18-weeks. We performed cardiac MRI with Gadolinium contrast to examine resting myocardial blood flow content. Upon sacrifice, we examined coronary endothelial-cell-density, fibrosis, apoptosis and endothelial tight-junction proteins (TJP). In vitro, we examined Ac-SDKP uptake by the endothelial cells and tested its effects on radiation-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In vivo, we injected labeled Ac-SDKP intravenously and examined its endothelial localization after 4-h.

Results

We found that radiation exposure led to reduced resting myocardial blood flow content. There was concomitant endothelial cell loss and coronary fibrosis. Smaller vessels and capillaries showed more severe changes than larger vessels. Real-time PCR and confocal microscopy showed radiation-induced loss of TJ proteins including- claudin-1 and junctional adhesion molecule-2 (JAM-2). Ac-SDKP normalized myocardial blood flow content, inhibited endothelial cell loss, reduced coronary fibrosis and restored TJ-assembly. In vitro, Ac-SDKP localized to endothelial cells and inhibited radiation-induced endothelial ROS generation. In vivo, labeled Ac-SDKP was visualized into the endothelium 4-h after the intravenous injection.

Conclusions

We concluded that Ac-SDKP has protective effects against radiation-induced reduction of myocardial blood flow. Such protective effects are likely mediated by neutralization of ROS-mediated injury, preservation of endothelial integrity and inhibition of fibrosis. This demonstrates a strong therapeutic potential of Ac-SDKP to counteract radiotherapy-induced coronary disease.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40959-018-0034-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The GS-nitroxide JP4-039 improves intestinal barrier and stem cell recovery in irradiated mice

Total body irradiation (TBI) leads to dose- and tissue-specific lethality. In the current study, we demonstrate that a mitochondrion-targeted nitroxide JP4-039 given once 24 hours after 9–10 Gy TBI significantly improves mouse survival, and the recovery of intestinal barrier, differentiation and stem cell functions. The GI-protective effects are associated with rapid and selective induction of tight junction proteins and cytokines including TGF-β, IL-10, IL-17a, IL-22 and Notch signaling long before bone marrow depletion. However, no change was observed in crypt death or the expression of prototypic pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6 or IL-1β. Surprisingly, bone marrow transplantation (BMT) performed 24 hours after TBI improves intestinal barrier and stem cell recovery with induction of IL-10, IL-17a, IL-22, and Notch signaling. Further, BMT-rescued TBI survivors display increased intestinal permeability, impaired ISC function and proliferation, but not obvious intestinal inflammation or increased epithelial death. These findings identify intestinal epithelium as a novel target of radiation mitigation, and potential strategies to enhance ISC recovery and regeneration after accidental or medical exposures.

Short-term dietary methionine supplementation affects one-carbon metabolism and DNA methylation in the mouse gut and leads to altered microbiome profiles, barrier function, gene expression and histomorphology

BACKGROUND

Methionine, a central molecule in one-carbon metabolism, is an essential amino acid required for normal growth and development. Despite its importance to biological systems, methionine is toxic when administered at supra-physiological levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of short-term methionine dietary modulation on the proximal jejunum, the section of the gut specifically responsible for amino acid absorption, in a mouse model. Eight-week-old CBA/J male mice were fed methionine-adequate (MAD; 6.5 g/kg) or methionine-supplemented (MSD; 19.5 g/kg) diets for 3.5 or 6 days (average food intake 100 g/kg body weight). The study design was developed in order to address the short-term effects of the methionine supplementation that corresponds to methionine dietary intake in Western populations. Biochemical indices in the blood as well as metabolic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, metagenomic, and histomorphological parameters in the gut were evaluated.

RESULTS

By day 6, feeding mice with MSD (protein intake <10% different from MAD) resulted in increased plasma (2.3-fold; p < 0.054), but decreased proximal jejunum methionine concentrations (2.2-fold; p < 0.05) independently of the expression of neutral amino acid transporters. MSD has also caused small bowel bacteria colonization, increased the abundance of pathogenic bacterial species Burkholderiales and decreased the gene expression of the intestinal transmembrane proteins-Cldn8 (0.18-fold, p < 0.05), Cldn9 (0.24-fold, p < 0.01) and Cldn10 (0.05-fold, p < 0.05). Feeding MSD led to substantial histomorphological alterations in the proximal jejunum exhibited as a trend towards decreased plasma citrulline concentrations (1.8-fold, p < 0.07), as well as loss of crypt depth (by 28%, p < 0.05) and mucosal surface (by 20%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Together, these changes indicate that short-term feeding of MSD substantially alters the normal gut physiology. These effects may contribute to the pathogenesis of intestinal inflammatory diseases and/or sensitize the gut to exposure to other stressors.

Assessment of mucosal integrity by quantifying neutrophil granulocyte influx in murine models of acute intestinal injury

Intact epithelial body surfaces represent physical barriers which protect the organism from invading pathogens and loss of nutrients. Barrier malfunction is closely linked to disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease and graft-versus-host disease. In fact, several pharmacological or radiobiological therapeutic strategies have side effects that affect epithelial surfaces. In this context, assays that accurately assess epithelial barrier integrity in patients and animal models are crucial to create a better understanding of the mechanisms leading to disease or limiting therapeutic approaches due to barrier disruption. Here, we tested the ability of the widely used FITC-dextran intestinal permeability analysis to evaluate loss of intestinal barrier integrity in different murine models of gut mucosal damage and established influx of neutrophil granulocytes into the intestinal lamina propria (LP) as an alternative approach. We demonstrate that the sensitivity and specificity of FITC-dextran intestinal permeability analysis is relatively low: Although it did represent severe forms of mucosal damage due to intensive conditioning therapy (high doses of either total body irradiation (TBI) or chemotherapy) or after conditioning and allogeneic stem cell transplantation, it did not recognize less severe forms of damage as after lower doses of TBI or chemotherapy alone. In addition, discrimination of untreated from irradiated mice by differences in FITC-dextran translocation was not exact. In contrast, influx of neutrophil granulocytes into the intestinal LP, which reflects immune activation due to translocation of microbes and microbial products during intestinal barrier breech, quantitatively correlated with the severity of intestinal barrier damage. It accurately represented both severe and less severe forms of intestinal damage as after high or lower dose TBI or chemotherapy and correctly discriminated treated from untreated animals. Taken together, we demonstrate the limitations of FITC-dextran intestinal permeability analysis and identify intestinal neutrophil influx as a powerful additional tool to measure breakdown of intestinal barrier function.

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma with unusual 18F-FDG hypermetabolism arising at the colorectal anastomosis

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma usually originates from the stomach and presents with low ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) avidity with average maximum standard uptake value of 3.6. Colorectal MALT lymphoma is a rare entity that contributes to 1.6% of all MALT lymphomas and < 0.2% of large intestinal malignancies. The case reported herein firstly revealed stage IIE MALT lymphoma with unexpected higher ¹⁸F-FDG avidity of 18.9 arising at the colorectal anastomosis in a patient with a surgical history for sigmoid adenocarcinoma, which was strongly suspected as local recurrence before histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. After accurate diagnosis, the patient received four cycles of standard R-CVP regimen (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisone), combined target therapy and chemotherapy, instead of radiotherapy recommended by National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. He tolerated the treatment well and reached complete remission.