Rodent models for anticancer toxicity studies: Contributions to drug development and future perspectives.

Antineoplastic treatment induces a type of gastrointestinal toxicity known as mucositis. Findings in animal models are usually easily reproducible, and standardized treatment regimens are often used, thus supporting translational science. Essential characteristics of mucositis, including intestinal permeability, inflammation, immune and oxidative responses, and tissue repair mechanisms, can be easily investigated in these models. Given the effects of mucositis on the quality of life of patients with cancer, and the importance of experimental models in the development of more effective new therapeutic alternatives, this review discusses progress and current challenges in using experimental models of mucositis in translational pharmacology research.

Polysaccharide Fraction from Campomanesia adamantium and Campomanesia pubescens Attenuates 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucosal Inflammation in Mice.

Gastrointestinal toxicity, including diarrhea and inflammation, is commonly observed with the use of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Several studies have shown that polysaccharides are interesting bioactive macromolecules for the treatment or prevention of gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, in this study, the effect of a polysaccharide fraction from a mixture of two Guavira species (Campomanesia adamantium and Campomanesia pubescens), referred to here as CPW, on the development of intestinal mucositis was investigated. Intestinal mucositis was induced by a single injection of 5-FU (450 mg/kg), and various doses of CPW (3-100 mg/kg) were tested. CPW attenuated disease development and prevented small bowel dysmotility and colon shortening. CPW prevented the increase in villi width, crypt depth, and mucosal thickness in the duodenum, but not in the colon. Preservation of mucus, reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and prevention of the 5-FU-induced enlargement and swelling of the spleen were observed. In conclusion, this study demonstrated for the first time that CPW alleviates the intestinal damage induced by 5-FU and could be used as an adjuvant strategy during chemotherapy.