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ABSTRACT: Background and purpose
Intestinal mucositis refers to mucosal damage caused by cancer treatment, and irinotecan is one of the agents most associated with this condition. Focusing on the development of alternatives to prevent this important adverse effect, we evaluated the activity of the flavonoid luteolin, which has never been tested for this purpose despite its biological potential.Experimental approach
The effects of luteolin were examined on irinotecan-induced intestinal mucositis in mice. Clinical signs were evaluated. Moreover, histological, oxidative, and inflammatory parameters were analysed, as well as the possible interference of luteolin in the anti-tumour activity of irinotecan.Key results
Luteolin (30 mg·kg-1 ; p.o. or i.p.) prevented irinotecan-induced intestinal damage by reducing weight loss and diarrhoea score and attenuating the shortening of the duodenum and colon. Histological analysis confirmed that luteolin (p.o.) prevented villous shortening, vacuolization, and apoptosis of cells and preserved mucin production in the duodenum and colon. Moreover, luteolin treatment mitigated irinotecan-induced oxidative stress, by reducing the levels of ROS and LOOH and augmenting endogenous antioxidants, and inflammation by decreasing MPO enzymic activity, TNF, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels and increasing IL-4 and IL-10. Disruption of the tight junctions ZO-1 and occludin was also prevented by luteolin treatment. Importantly, luteolin did not interfere with the anti-tumour activity of irinotecan.Conclusion and implications
Luteolin prevents intestinal mucositis induced by irinotecan and therefore could be a potential adjunct in anti-tumour therapy to control this adverse effect, increasing treatment adherence and consequently the chances of cancer remission.
SUBMITTER: Boeing T
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7174882 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Boeing Thaise T de Souza Priscila P Speca Silvia S Somensi Lincon Bordignon LB Mariano Luisa Nathália Bolda LNB Cury Benhur Judah BJ Ferreira Dos Anjos Mariana M Quintão Nara Lins Meira NLM Dubuqoy Laurent L Desreumax Pierre P da Silva Luisa Mota LM de Andrade Sérgio Faloni SF
British journal of pharmacology 20200215 10
<h4>Background and purpose</h4>Intestinal mucositis refers to mucosal damage caused by cancer treatment, and irinotecan is one of the agents most associated with this condition. Focusing on the development of alternatives to prevent this important adverse effect, we evaluated the activity of the flavonoid luteolin, which has never been tested for this purpose despite its biological potential.<h4>Experimental approach</h4>The effects of luteolin were examined on irinotecan-induced intestinal muco ...[more]