Updates on the potency and mechanism of glutamine supplementation in oral mucositis management: A narrative review

Abstract

Introduction: Chemotherapy and head-and-neck radiotherapy administered to cancer patients can lead to the development of oral mucositis (OM), a condition characterized by extensive and excruciating damage to the oral mucosal tissues. Glutamine, an essential amino acid, plays a crucial role in various facets of cellular metabolism, particularly in cell proliferation, wound healing, and leukocyte function, and has been reported to have preventive and therapeutic benefits in oral mucositis. Objective: This study aims to comprehensively review current findings on the potential clinical applications and mechanisms of glutamine in the management of oral mucositis. Review: Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of glutamine supplementation in diminishing the severity of OM and expediting the healing process. This positive effect is attributed to the modulation of inflammation and the stimulation of pro-regenerative activity in keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Furthermore, glutamine intervention enhances the overall nutritional status of patients, reducing the risk of complications commonly observed in cancer patients. Additionally, it plays a pivotal role in preventing or ameliorating the conditions of sarcopenia and lymphopenia. Conclusion: Glutamine supplementation emerges as a promising intervention for the management of oral mucositis in patients undergoing chemotherapy or head-and-neck radiotherapy. Its multifaceted impact, including inflammation modulation, pro-regenerative activity, and improvement in nutritional status, positions glutamine as a valuable component in the comprehensive care of cancer patients experiencing oral mucositis