Wuse-oil Compound 03 mitigates radiation-induced oral mucositis by modulating oral microbiota to mediate TLR4/NF-κB pathway and inhibit M1 macrophage polarization

作者：Liqun Jia, Rong Huang, Chen Chen, Feng Teng, Tian Gu, Jialu Liu, Li Ma, Feng Ye, Jingyi Long, Zihan Jin, Dong Li, Dongmei Chen, Yanni Lou · 发表于：Phytomedicine · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1016/j.phymed.2025.157083 · 被引用次数：2 · 研究领域：Oral health in cancer treatment、Effects of Radiation Exposure、Salivary Gland Disorders and Functions

BACKGROUND: Radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) is a prevalent condition among patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy. It is characterized by a high incidence and severe symptoms that significantly compromise patients' quality of life. Currently, there exists no consensus regarding an effective treatment modality. Wuse-oil Compound 03 (WC03), a Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine, demonstrates potential in managing RIOM. PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the efficacy of WC03 in treating RIOM through the modulation of oral microbiota and associated biological pathways. STUDY DESIGN: Mechanism study experimental design. METHODS: A rat model of RIOM was established via radiation exposure. WC03 was topically administered to the oral mucosa of the rats twice daily for seven days subsequent to irradiation. The effectiveness of WC03 was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and the Oral Mucositis Index (OMI). Oral microbiota samples were analyzed through 16S rRNA sequencing. RNA sequencing and pathway analysis were conducted on the buccal mucosa. Differentially expressed genes were validated through immunohistochemistry and protein blotting techniques. The polarization of inflammatory M1 macrophages was assessed using immunofluorescence. The active components of WC03 were identified through mass spectrometry and examined using network pharmacology. The role of Emodin was investigated via Transwell assays, flow cytometry, and Western blott...