Systemic administration of heparin ameliorates radiation-induced oral mucositis-preclinical studies in mice.

ABSTRACT: PURPOSE:The present study investigates the impact of systemic application of heparins on the manifestation of radiation-induced oral mucositis in a well-established mouse model. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Male C3H/Neu mice were irradiated with either single-dose or fractionated irradiation protocols with 5?×?3 Gy/week, given over one (days 0-4) or two (days 0-4, 7-11) weeks. All fractionation protocols were concluded by a local test irradiation (day 7/14) using graded doses to generate complete dose-effect curves. Daily doses of unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin (40 or 200 I.U./mouse, respectively) were applied subcutaneously over varying time intervals. The incidence and the time course of mucosal ulceration, corresponding to confluent mucositis in patients (RTOG/EORTC grade 3), were analysed as clinically relevant endpoints. RESULTS:Systemic application of heparins significantly increased the iso-effective doses for the induction of mucosal ulceration, particularly in combination with fractionated irradiation protocols. Moreover, a tentative prolongation of the latent time and a pronounced reduction of the ulcer duration were observed. CONCLUSION:These data provide the first evidence for a protective and/or mitigative effect of heparins for radiation-induced oral mucositis. Further studies are ongoing investigating the underlying mechanism.

SUBMITTER: Kowaliuk M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6008356 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature