title: Biomarkers for radiation-induced small bowel epithelial damage: an emerging role for plasma Citrulline.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology (Maastro), GROW Research Institute, University of Maastricht, Tanslaan 12, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands. ludy.lutgens@maastro.nl
authors.forename: Ludy
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lutgens
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lambin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000528:radiation effects; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002956:Citrulline / Q000097:blood*; D020895:Enterocytes / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D002956:Citrulline