Effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate from green tea on 5-flurouracil-induced intestinal mucositis.

Abstract

522 Background: Chemotherapy-induced mucositis is a common complication during anticancer treatment. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), derived from green tea, has been shown to have antioxidant effects and immunomodulatory activities. However, studies on EGCG for chemotherapy-induced mucositis have been scarce. In this study, we aimed to prove the protective effect of EGCG in murine chemotherapy-induced mucositis model Methods: Twenty-four 8-wk-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomized to 4 groups : control, EGCG, 5-Flurouracil (5-FU), EGCG plus 5-FU. Mucositis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU (400mg/kg). EGCG (50mg/kg) was administered orally for 5 days from the day before administration of 5-FU. After 6 days of 5-FU injection, the mice were sacrificed and intestinal tissue was obtained. WBC count was performed with whole blood from Inferior vena cava of mice. The end points were villus height, villus/crypt ratio, histologic characteristics, and mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor ( TNF)-α, and interleukin ( IL)-6. Results: In 5-FU group, neutropenia was confirmed by laboratory test (5-FU, 0.650 K/μL; Control, 5.317 K/μL), indicating sufficient 5-FU effect. Histologic findings showed that crypt dilatation, villus stunting, and villus atrophy were reduced in EGCG plus 5-FU group than in 5-FU group. Quantitatively, mean villus height (EGCG plus 5-FU, 352 μm; 5-FU, 319 μm) and villus/crypt ratio (EGCG plus 5-FU, 3.28; 5-FU, 2.31) in EGCG plus 5-FU group, compared with 5-FU treated group, were significantly higher. mRNA expression of TNF-α was significantly lower in EGCG plus 5-FU group compared with 5-FU group (P < 0.05) (Figure 2). Conclusions: EGCG derived from green tea reduced 5-FU induced intestinal mucositis, suggesting a possibility for novel treatment of chemotherapy-induced mucositis.