Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM: Intestinal damage induced by total body irradiation (TBI) reduces leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5)-expressing stem cells, goblet, and Paneth cells, breaching the epithelial lining, and facilitating bacterial translocation, sepsis, and death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Survival was measured after TBI in animals that received wild-type or recombinant bacteria producing interleukin-22 (IL-22). Changes in survival due to microbially delivered IL-22 were measured. Lactobacillus reuteri producing IL-22, or Escherichia coli-IL-22 were compared to determine which delivery system is better. RESULTS: C57BL/6 mice receiving IL-22 probiotics at 24 h after 9.25 Gy TBI, demonstrated green fluorescent protein-positive bacteria in the intestine, doubled the number of Lgr5+ intestinal stem cells, and increased 30-day survival. Bacteria were localized to the jejunum, ileum, and colon. CONCLUSION: Second-generation probiotics appear to be valuable for mitigation of TBI, and radiation protection during therapeutic total abdominal irradiation.