Beneficial Effects of Polysaccharides on the Epithelial Barrier Function in Intestinal Mucositis

Abstract

Intestinal mucositis is a clinically relevant side effect of anticancer therapies. It is experienced by 60–100% of patients undergoing treatment with high doses of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplantation. Intestinal mucositis can manifest as pain, weight loss, inflammation, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and infection; affecting normal nutritional intake and intestinal function. It often impacts adherence to anticancer therapy as it frequently limits patient’s ability to tolerate treatment, causing schedule delays, interruptions, or premature discontinuation. In some cases, local and systemic secondary infections are observed, increasing the costs toward medical care and hospitalization. Several strategies for managing mucositis are available which do not always halt this condition. In this context, new therapeutic strategies are under investigation to prevent or treat intestinal mucositis. Polysaccharides from natural resources have recently become promising molecules against intestinal damage due to their ability to promote mucosal healing and their anti-inflammatory actions. These effects are associated with the protection of intestinal mucosa and regulation of microbiota and immune system. This review aims to discuss the recent advances of polysaccharides from natural resources as potential therapies for intestinal mucositis. The source, species, doses, treatment schedules, and mechanisms of action of polysaccharides will be discussed in detail.

The role of gut microbiome in the complex relationship between respiratory tract infection and asthma

“…Epithelial barrier dysfunction is a characteristic and pathological mechanism of airway inflammation in asthma patients (Georas and Rezaee, 2014 ). In comparison to non-asthmatic patients, the bronchial epithelial barrier function in asthmatic patients is impaired (Inoue et al, 2020 ), making it easier for pathogens or allergens to enter the airway tissue, activating an immune response, and leading to asthma exacerbation (da Silva, 2021 ). Richards et al ( 2020 ) demonstrated that propionate and butyrate can enhance the barrier function of human bronchial epithelial cells and restore the impaired barrier function induced by stimulation with IL-4, IL-13, and dust mite extract.…”

Chemotherapy-Induced Intestinal Microbiota Dysbiosis Impairs Mucosal Homeostasis by Modulating Toll-like Receptor Signaling Pathways

“…In addition, in recent years, natural products including Chinese herbal medicines have displayed distinct clinical outcomes in managing chemotherapy-induced side effects including gut mucositis, nausea and vomiting [103][104][105], and some of them have been verified in animal experiments, such as Wuzi Yanzong Pills [106], Shengjiang Xiexin decoction [107], Gegen Qinlian decoction [108], Qingjie Fuzheng Granule [109], Amomi Fructus [110], Steamed rehmannia root [111], Patchouli [27,112], Saikosaponin-A [7], Aquilaria agallocha [113] and Andrographolide [114], with the underlying mechanisms of action involving antioxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis. In addition, some ingredients extracted from Crassostrea hongkongensis [55], Dendrobium sonia [115], Dendrobium huoshanense [116], Schisandrae chinensis [117], Salvia miltiorrhiza [118], Scutellaria baicalensis [119], and Pogostemon cablin [27] are likely to regulate gut microbiota through promoting the proliferation of commensal microbiota and inhibiting pathogenic bacteria.…”

Administration of Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis polysaccharide attenuates cisplatin‐induced inflammation and intestinal mucosal damage in colon‐26 carcinoma tumor‐bearing mice

“…6 To achieve this goal, prebiotic polysaccharides can regulate inflammatory/immune responses, attenuate oxidative stress and promote intestinal mucosa integrity by regulating mucin production and increasing the expression of various tight junction molecules. 7 Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis is a red alga that holds significant economic value because it can be directly consumed or processed into various products, including food supplements, cosmetics and medicines. The alga is rich in polysaccharides, phycobiliproteins, pigments and other nutrients and functional components, of which polysaccharides are the primary active components.…”

“…Among these interventions, prebiotic polysaccharides have been found to play a crucial role in protecting against chemotherapy‐induced intestinal damage 6 . To achieve this goal, prebiotic polysaccharides can regulate inflammatory/immune responses, attenuate oxidative stress and promote intestinal mucosa integrity by regulating mucin production and increasing the expression of various tight junction molecules 7 …”