Protective effect and mechanism of citrulline on intestinal injury induced by radiation in mice

Abstract

BackgroundIonizing radiation can cause damage to animal's intestinal tissue. Citrulline is produced in the intestinal epithelial cell and has been proven to possess a protective effect on the gastrointestinal tract.PurposeThis study aims to investigate the protective effects and the underlying mechanisms of citrulline in the context of radiation-induced intestinal injuries.MethodsFirstly, a mouse model of an acute radiation-induced intestinal injury was established, incorporating a normal control, a simple irradiation, and an irradiation plus citrulline group. Then, these groups were employed to scrutinize the protective effects and mechanisms associated with citrulline. Subsequently, hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to examine the morphology of the mice's intestinal tissue, and the Elisa kit was employed to quantify endotoxin levels in plasma, as well as nitric oxide and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the intestinal tissue. Finally, focal adhesion kinase and Occludin levels in the intestinal tissue were assessed using western blotting.ResultsThe experimental results demonstrate that intraperitoneal injection of 1 g∙kg-1∙d-1 citrulline for one week following irradiation significantly extend the median survival time of irradiated mice and increase their body weight. Moreover, it markedly reduces plasma endotoxin levels, elevate the expression levels of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and intestinal tight junction protein (Occludin), and decreases the expression levels of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the intestinal tissue.ConclusionsCitrulline enhances the integrity of the intestinal barrier in irradiated mice, improves barrier function, mitigates nitrosative stress, and demonstrates a protective impact on radiation-induced intestinal damage in mice.

Keywords

• ionizing radiation
• intestinal injury
• citrulline
• nitric oxide