A novel gene therapy for radiation enteritis using HGF expressing plasmid chitosan complex

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Purpose. Radiation enteritis is a major side effect of radiation treatment for many malignancies. This study investigated whether HGF (Hepatocyte Growth Factor) expressing plasmid chitosan complex would exert protective effects on the radiation enteritis. Methods. HGF or LacZ expressing plasmid chitosan complex were generated. Gene transduction was performed by oral administration of HGF or LacZ expressing plasmid chitosan complex into C57BL/6 mice. Transduction efficiency was examined by X-gal. Radiation-induced injury of the small intestine was induced by whole body irradiation (15 Gy) Apoptotic epithelial cells were visualized by TUNEL assay. Morphological analysis was assessed by histological examination. Results. A limited and weak gene transduction could be achieved in the upper gastro-intestinal mucosa. The HGF expressing plasmid chitosan complex group did not demonstrated the protective effects on the radiation enteritis in terms of both apoptotic and morphological analyses. Conclusions. This study indicates that HGF expressing plasmid chitosan complex has a powerless effect on preventing intestinal injuries caused by ionizing radiation.