Transforming growth factor-β3 mediated modulation of cell cycling and attenuation of 5-fluorouracil induced oral mucositis

Mucositis is a common, dose-limiting complication in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy, which derives from damage to the epithelial cell layer. We have shown that transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF-β3) negatively regulates epithelial cell proliferation and reduces the incidence of oral mucositis. Here, we report the findings of a large study examining the effects of TGF-β3 administration in a hamster model on oral epithelial cell cycling in vivo, on oral mucositis, on weight retention and on survival. Topical application of TGF-β3 to the buccal mucosa significantly reduced basal cell proliferation, as measured by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry and DNA ploidy. Administration of topical TGF-β3 prior to chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) significantly reduced the severity of mucositis with respect to time, reduced chemotherapy-associated weight loss and increased survival.