This study evaluated the mechanisms of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) induced intestinal damage by investigating the lipid peroxide (LPO) level, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and disaccharidase activity in rats. Group I animals (n = 6) were sacrificed and served as a normal control group. Group II animals (n = 24) were given a single intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU (150 mg/kg) and every 8 rats were sacrificed on day 1, 3 and 5 after injection respectively.
Results: LPO concentration in blood and intestinal mucosa was significantly higher in the group II than in the group I on day 1 and 3 (P < 0.05). MPO activity was significantly higher in the group II than in the group I at different times (P < 0.01). Lactase activity on day 5 (P < 0.01); sucrase activity (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 respectively) and maltase activity (P < 0.01) on day 3 and 5, were significantly lower in the group II than in the group I.
Conclusion: The results indicate that neutrophil infiltration may be involved in 5-FU-induced lipid peroxidative damage of the small intestine which was reflected by the decreased disaccharidases activities.