Selenium Administration Attenuates 5-Flurouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucositis

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Gastroenterology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Chemotherapy-induced mucositis is a common side effect of cancer treatment, characterized by inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining.
• Proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species play a key role in the pathogenesis of mucositis.
• Selenium, an essential trace element, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its role in mitigating chemotherapy-induced mucositis is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of selenium against chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis in a rat model.
• To evaluate the impact of selenium on inflammatory markers and intestinal morphology following 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) administration.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, selenium, 5-FU, and 5-FU plus selenium.
• Intestinal mucositis was induced using a single intraperitoneal dose of 5-FU.
• Selenium was administered as sodium selenite via intraperitoneal injection.
• Measurements included body weight, diarrhea incidence, villus height, and mRNA expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).

Main Results:

• Selenium treatment attenuated diarrhea and weight loss in rats receiving 5-FU.
• Villus height in the 5-FU plus selenium group was significantly greater than in the 5-FU only group.
• Selenium administration significantly reduced the mRNA expression of IL-1β and TNF-α in rats treated with 5-FU.

Conclusions:

• Selenium demonstrates a protective effect against chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis in rats.
• The protective mechanism involves reducing the production of key proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α).
• Selenium's anti-inflammatory properties suggest its potential as a therapeutic adjunct to mitigate chemotherapy-related gastrointestinal toxicity.