Effects of L-Arginine Supplementation on Leukogram, Inflammatory Bowel Infiltrates and Immunoglobulins with 5-FU Use in Rats

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of L-arginine supplementation on blood parameters, kidney and liver function, immunoglobulins and noninflammatory infiltrates in the small intestines of rats subjected to chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Thirty-two Wistar rats were randomly distributed into 4 groups (8 rats/group): an untreated control group, and test groups receiving one dose of 5-FU (G group), one dose of 5-FU and 295 mg L-arginine/day (G group) or one dose of 5-FU and 458 mg L-arginine/day (G group). Neutrophil count, platelet count, serum IgA, and fibrinogen levels in G and G remained within normal limits after chemotherapy. In addition, in G the inflammatory bowel infiltrates improved in 57% of the rats, which showed mild inflammation. The results suggest that daily supplementation with 295 or 458 mg L-arginine attenuates the side effects of 5-FU, including thrombocytopenia and neutropenia, and modulates IgA production. Supplementation with 458 mg of L-arginine/day can also reduce mucositis levels in the small intestine after 5-FU chemotherapy.

l-Arginine alleviates heat stress-induced intestinal epithelial barrier damage by promoting expression of tight junction proteins via the AMPK pathway

“…l-Arginine has multiple beneficial effects on the intestines [19,26], although we found that its protective effect was only exerted in a specific concentration range. As shown in Fig.…”

“…Dysfunction of TJs has been reported to be associated with increased permeability of the intestinal epithelium [17] and the development and progression of intestinal disorders [18]. HS decreases the expression of TJs and leads to intestinal barrier dysfunction [19]. Zhang et al also reported that heat stress disrupts the expression of TJ proteins in chickens, such as mucin-2, claudin-1, and occludin [20].…”

“…Luminal nutrients contribute to alterations in the morphology and functions of IECs and intestines [29]. l-Arginine stimulates cell proliferation [40], enhances the intestinal mucosal immune function [19], and improves intestinal recovery [26]. However, how l-arginine is involved in the regulation of TJ proteins under heat stress and the underlying mechanism is still unclear.…”

Exploring the effects of Qijiao Shengbai capsule on leukopenic mice from the perspective of intestinbased on metabolomics and 16S rRNA sequencing

“…Arginine, in combination with other substances in the body, enhances the immune system and regulates IL-2 gene expression through methylation [ 42 ]. Moreover, l -arginine supplementation can alleviate the side effects of thrombocytopenia and leukopenia and enhance IL-2 immunotherapy [ [43] , [44] , [45] , [46] ]. Thus, QJSB may enhance the immune system and hematopoietic function through the components of Equus asinus L. by regulating the metabolic pathway of arginine.…”

Total saponins from stems and leaves of Panax quinquefolius L. ameliorate podophyllotoxin‐induced myelosuppression and gastrointestinal toxicity

“…Many research studies have proved that arginine could improve gastrointestinal function and gastric ulcer healing, accelerate intestinal mucosal regeneration, enhance bacterial clearance, and reduce histological bowel necrosis (Wang et al, 2009). Meanwhile, a new report observed that arginine could attenuate 5-fluorouracil-induced thrombocytopenia and neutropenia (Balmant et al, 2018). Moreover, a large number of experiments have also proved that supplemental arginine administration was beneficial in reducing myelosuppression and gastrointestinal toxicity caused by chemotherapy (Morris, 2006;Morris et al, 2017;Xia et al, 2016).…”