Open AccessBiomarkers for radiation-induced small bowel epithelial damage: An emerging role for plasma Citrulline
Author(s) -
Ludy Lutgens,
Philippe Lambin
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
world journal of gastroenterology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.427
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 2219-2840
pISSN - 1007-9327
DOI - 10.3748/wjg.v13.i22.3033
Subject(s) - citrulline , medicine , biomarker , cancer , gastroenterology , bioinformatics , intensive care medicine , cancer research , biology , arginine , biochemistry , amino acid
Reduction of cancer treatment-induced mucosal injury has been recognized as an important target for improving the therapeutic ratio as well as reducing the economic burden associated with these treatment related sequellae. Clinical studies addressing this issue are hampered by the fact that specific objective parameters, which enable monitoring of damage in routine clinical practice, are lacking. This review summarizes pros and cons of currently available endpoints for intestinal injury. The metabolic background and characteristics of plasma citrulline, a recently investigated biomarker specifically for small intestinal injury, are discussed in more detail.