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Effect of oral glutamine on enterocyte turnover during methotrexate-induced mucositis in rats

Igor Sukhotnik1, Jorge G Mogilner, Rahel Karry

  • 1Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Laboratory of Intestinal Adaptation and Recovery, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel. igor-dr@internet-zahav.net

Digestion
|January 15, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Oral glutamine supplementation effectively prevents intestinal damage caused by methotrexate (MTX) chemotherapy in rats. This study shows glutamine improves gut mucosal recovery and reduces cell death after MTX treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Methotrexate (MTX) chemotherapy can cause significant intestinal mucosal damage.
  • Protecting the gut lining during MTX treatment is crucial for patient well-being.
  • Oral glutamine is investigated as a potential therapeutic agent to mitigate MTX-induced enteropathy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the efficacy of oral glutamine in preventing methotrexate-induced intestinal mucosal injury in a rat model.
  • To evaluate the impact of glutamine on structural and cellular recovery of the intestine post-MTX exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to control, MTX-only, or MTX plus oral glutamine groups.
  • Intestinal mucosal damage, structural integrity, enterocyte proliferation, and apoptosis were assessed 72 hours after MTX administration.
  • Gene expression of apoptosis markers (Bax and Bcl-2) was analyzed using RT-PCR.

Main Results:

  • Glutamine treatment preserved jejunal and ileal mucosal weight and DNA content compared to MTX-only rats.
  • Oral glutamine enhanced ileal villus height, crypt depth, and enterocyte proliferation in both jejunum and ileum.
  • A significant reduction in ileal enterocyte apoptosis was observed in glutamine-treated rats, associated with altered Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA levels.

Conclusions:

  • Oral glutamine administration effectively prevents intestinal mucosal injury induced by methotrexate in rats.
  • Glutamine supplementation promotes intestinal recovery and improves mucosal integrity following MTX chemotherapy.
  • These findings suggest glutamine as a potential supportive therapy for MTX-treated patients to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

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