Pro-inflammatory cytokines play a key role in the development of radiotherapy-induced gastrointestinal mucositis.
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Mucositis is a toxic side effect of anti-cancer treatments and is a major focus in cancer research. Pro-inflammatory cytokines have previously been implicated in the pathophysiology of chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal mucositis. However, whether they play a key role in the development of radiotherapy-induced gastrointestinal mucositis is still unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to characterise the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the gastrointestinal tract using a rat model of fractionated radiotherapy-induced toxicity. METHODS: Thirty six female Dark Agouti rats were randomly assigned into groups and received 2.5 Gys abdominal radiotherapy three times a week over six weeks. Real time PCR was conducted to determine the relative change in mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF in the jejunum and colon. Protein expression of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF in the intestinal epithelium was investigated using qualitative immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Radiotherapy-induced sub-acute damage was associated with significantly upregulated IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF mRNA levels in the jejunum and colon. The majority of pro-inflammatory cytokine protein expression in the jejunum and colon exhibited minimal change following fractionated radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Pro-inflammatory cytokines play a key role in radiotherapy-induced gastrointestinal mucositis in the sub-acute onset setting.
SUBMITTER: Ong ZY
PROVIDER: S-EPMC2845595 | biostudies-literature | 2010
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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