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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Important Endpoints and Proliferative Markers to Assess Small Intestinal Injury and Adaptation using a Mouse Model of Chemotherapy-Induced Mucositis
07:05

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Published on: May 12, 2019

Gastrointestinal dysmotility in 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis outlasts inflammatory process resolution

Pedro M G Soares1, José Maurício S C Mota, Antoniella S Gomes

  • 1Centro de Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, Brazil.

Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology
|March 8, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) causes intestinal mucositis and lasting gastrointestinal dysmotility. This study shows that impaired gut motility persists even after the healing of intestinal damage.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Chemotherapy, including 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), is a cornerstone of cancer treatment.
  • 5-FU commonly induces gastrointestinal mucositis, a debilitating side effect.
  • The impact of 5-FU-induced mucositis on gastrointestinal motility requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of 5-FU on gastrointestinal motility.
  • To evaluate the duration of gastrointestinal dysmotility in relation to intestinal mucositis recovery.

Main Methods:

  • Wistar rats were treated with 5-FU or saline.
  • Epithelial damage, cell proliferation, and biochemical markers were assessed in intestinal segments.
  • Gastric emptying and smooth muscle contractions were measured in vivo and in vitro.

Main Results:

  • 5-FU induced significant intestinal damage, including villi shortening and increased MPO activity, on day 3.
  • Apoptosis increased and mitosis decreased on day 1, with recovery by day 15.
  • Delayed gastric emptying and increased gastric and duodenal smooth muscle contractions were observed on days 3 and 15.

Conclusions:

  • 5-FU causes significant gastrointestinal damage and motility alterations.
  • Gastrointestinal dysmotility induced by 5-FU persists longer than the intestinal mucositis itself.
  • These findings highlight a critical long-term complication of 5-FU chemotherapy.

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