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Association between intestinal and antioxidant barriers in children with cancer

Teresa Stachowicz-Stencel1, Anna Synakiewicz, Anna Owczarzak

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Haematology, Oncology and Endocrinology, University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland. tsten@gumed.edu.pl

Acta Biochimica Polonica
|May 12, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Paediatric cancer patients in remission show impaired intestinal barriers after chemotherapy, with higher levels of ischemia modified albumin (IMA). However, no direct link was found between gut permeability and oxidative stress markers.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in cancer development and tissue damage.
  • Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, can compromise the integrity of the gut barrier.
  • Previous research has not investigated intestinal permeability and its relationship with oxidative stress in pediatric cancer survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess intestinal permeability in children with solid tumors who are in clinical remission.
  • To explore the potential association between free radicals (oxidative stress) and the intestinal barrier function in these patients.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 19 pediatric cancer patients post-chemotherapy and 32 healthy controls.
  • Intestinal permeability measured via urinary lactulose and mannitol excretion after oral challenge.
  • Antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase) and serum ischemia modified albumin (IMA) levels were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Cancer patients exhibited significantly higher lactulose-to-mannitol ratios, indicating increased intestinal permeability, compared to controls (p=0.0006).
  • Elevated serum IMA levels were observed in the pediatric cancer group (p=0.0037).
  • No significant correlation was identified between the measured markers of intestinal permeability and oxidative stress.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric cancer patients treated with chemotherapy demonstrate compromised intestinal barrier function.
  • Ischemia modified albumin (IMA) may play a role in protecting against tissue damage.
  • Despite observed impairments, no direct relationship was found between intestinal permeability and the oxidative stress markers in this cohort.

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