Preventive Effects of a Chinese Herbal Formula, Shengjiang Xiexin Decoction, on Irinotecan-Induced Delayed-Onset Diarrhea in Rats

Abstract EN

Irinotecan is a well-known chemotherapy drug for the treatment of various cancers.

However, delayed-onset diarrhea is a common adverse reaction, limiting the application of the drug.

The study presented was designed to evaluate the preventive effects of Shengjiang Xiexin decoction (SXD) on irinotecan-induced diarrhea and to explore the possible mechanisms of this action.

We established a diarrhea rat model.

The condition of the rats was observed.

The proliferation and apoptosis of intestinal cells were measured using immunohistochemical assays and a caspase-3 activity assay, respectively.

The expression of Lgr5 and CD44 staining were used to observe intestinal stem cells (ISCs).

In addition, the activity of β-glucuronidase in the rats’ feces was measured.

Our results showed that the number of proliferating intestinal cells in the SXD groups was obviously higher, while the activity of caspase-3 was lower.

The expression of Lgr5 and the integrated option density (IOD) of CD44 stain were increased significantly by SXD.

Additionally, SXD decreased the activity of β-glucuronidase after irinotecan administration.

In conclusion, SXD exhibited preventive effects on irinotecan-induced diarrhea, and this action was associated with an inhibitory effect on intestinal apoptosis and β-glucuronidase and a promotive effect on intestinal cell proliferation due to increased maintenance of ISCs.