Pro-inflammatory cytokines play a key role in the development of radiotherapy-induced gastrointestinal mucositis

• Main Authors: Logan Richard M, Darby Jocelyn M, Stringer Andrea M, Bowen Joanne M, Gibson Rachel J, Ong Zhi, Yeoh Ann SJ, Keefe Dorothy M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2010-03-01
• Series: Radiation Oncology
• Online Access: http://www.ro-journal.com/content/5/1/22

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Mucositis is a toxic side effect of anti-cancer treatments and is a major focus in cancer research. Pro-inflammatory cytokines have previously been implicated in the pathophysiology of chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal mucositis. However, whether they play a key role in the development of radiotherapy-induced gastrointestinal mucositis is still unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to characterise the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the gastrointestinal tract using a rat model of fractionated radiotherapy-induced toxicity.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Thirty six female Dark Agouti rats were randomly assigned into groups and received 2.5 Gys abdominal radiotherapy three times a week over six weeks. Real time PCR was conducted to determine the relative change in mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF in the jejunum and colon. Protein expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF in the intestinal epithelium was investigated using qualitative immunohistochemistry.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Radiotherapy-induced sub-acute damage was associated with significantly upregulated IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF mRNA levels in the jejunum and colon. The majority of pro-inflammatory cytokine protein expression in the jejunum and colon exhibited minimal change following fractionated radiotherapy.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Pro-inflammatory cytokines play a key role in radiotherapy-induced gastrointestinal mucositis in the sub-acute onset setting.</p>