Pathogenesis of Radioactive Esophagitis Based on TGF-β1/p38MAPK/FN Signaling Pathway

Objective To investigate the pathogenesis mechanism of radiation esophagitis from the perspective of mucosal regeneration and to determine whether it is associated with TGF-β1/p38MAPKs/FN signaling pathway.

Methods The pathological analysis of esophageal specimens was performed by HE staining method. The expression of FN and TGF-β1 genes were observed by real time-PCR method, and the expression of tissue proteins TGF-β1, p38 and FN were detected by Western blot.

Results The weights, food intakes and water intakes at the first week after the occurrence of radiation esophagitis were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) and recovered at the fourth week. The esophageal mucosa was destructed at the first and second weeks, and the regeneration occurred in the fourth weeks; TGF-β1 and p38MAPK protein expression increased first and then decreased, while FN protein expression decreased first and then increased.

Conclusion The TGF-β1/p38MAPK/FN signaling pathway may be involved in the process of mucosal repair.