Multi-Target Protective Effects of Sanghuangporus sanghuang Against 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Injury Through Suppression of Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Epitheli-Al-Mesenchymal Transition, and Tight Junction

Sanghuang (<i>Sanghuangporus sanghuang</i>, SS) is a medicinal fungus with multiple pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and anti-cancer activities. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of colorectal cancer. It primarily exerts its antitumor effect by inhibiting DNA and RNA synthesis, leading to cell apoptosis. However, it frequently induces adverse effects These issues limit the clinical application of 5-FU. This research aims to determine the potential of SS as a therapeutic agent in reducing 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis in a mouse model. The results indicated that 5-FU administration significantly increased diarrhea severity, reduced colon length, caused small intestinal villus atrophy, disrupted intestinal architecture, led to insufficient crypt cell proliferation, and resulted in weight loss. It also significantly upregulated inflammatory responses, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathways, and disrupted the integrity of intestinal mucosal tight junction, while elevating pro-inflammatory cytokines and reducing antioxidant capacity. However, SS significantly ameliorating alleviating the adverse impacts of the chemotherapeutic agent on the intestinal mucosa. In conclusion, this investigation provides the first evidence of the protective effects of SS on 5-FU-induced mucositis. These findings suggest SS as a potential therapeutic application, offering a promising strategy for reducing the adverse effects of 5-FU chemotherapy and improving the treatment and quality of life for colorectal cancer patients.