Work

Vitamin C and L-arginine as potential synergistic adjuvants to recover intestinal mucositis induced by chemotherapy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: s u m m a r y Purpose Chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis is a debilitating condition often triggered by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). This study investigated the effect of vitamin C alone and combined with L-arginine, in a murine model of 5-FU-induced mucositis. Methods Male BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: Control, Mucositis, Mucositis + Vitamin C, and Mucositis + Vitamin C + Arginine. Treatments were administered by gavage for 10 days, with mucositis induction on day 7. Clinical (body weight, food intake), histological, morphometric, immunological, oxidative stress, and gene expression parameters were evaluated. Results Mucositis significantly reduced weight and food intake ( P <0.05). Vitamin C alone enhanced anti-inflammatory effects more than combined with arginine, reducing lipid peroxidation and preserving intestinal structure. Both treatments maintained sIgA levels ( P <0.05). Notably, the combination with arginine had a synergistic effect on collagen synthesis ( P <0.05). Conclusion These findings suggest that vitamin C protects against mucositis, while its combination with arginine may enhance tissue regeneration via collagen production.

Source: Clinical Nutrition Open Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.nutos.2025.10.013