Selenium Administration Attenuates 5-Flurouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucositis

Jae Min Lee, Hoon Jai Chun, Hyuk Soon Choi, Eun Sun Kim, Yeon Seok Seo, Yoon Tae Jeen, Hong Sik Lee, Soon Ho Um, Chul Hwan Kim, Donggeun Sul

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced mucositis is mediated by the release of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species. Selenium has several metabolic functions, including the protection of membrane lipids and macromolecules against oxidative damage. However, to date, there is little evidence on the effect of trace elements on intestinal mucositis after chemotherapy. This study investigated the protective effect of selenium against chemotherapy-induced mucositis in rats. Twenty-four 9-wk-old female Wistar rats were randomized to 4 groups: control, selenium, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and 5-FU plus selenium. Mucositis was induced by a single dose of 5-FU (400 mg/kg BW) via intraperitoneal injection, and selenium was administered by a single intraperitoneal dose of sodium selenite (0.2 mg/kg BW). Diarrhea and weight loss after 5-FU administration were attenuated by selenium treatment. The mean villus height in the 5-FU plus selenium group was significantly taller than rats administered with 5-FU alone, but not significantly different compared to the control group. Interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α mRNA expression were significantly lower in the 5-FU plus selenium group than in the 5-FU only group (IL-1β, P < 0.01; TNF-α, P < 0.05). These findings indicate that selenium protects the mucosa during chemotherapy via its anti-inflammatory effects and its suppression of cytotoxic cytokine production.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)616-622
Number of pages7
JournalNutrition and Cancer
Volume69
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017 May 19

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Oncology
  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Cancer Research

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