Skip to main content
Fig. 2 | Radiation Oncology

Fig. 2

From: Radiotherapy and the gut microbiome: facts and fiction

Fig. 2

The potential mechanisms of the gut microbiome in radiation-induced intestinal mucositis. Notes: The gut microbiome can influence radiation-induced gastrointestinal mucositis mainly through two mechanisms: translocation and dysbiosis. Radiation disrupts the intestinal barriers and the mucus layer and causes bacterial translocation, resulting in activation of an inflammatory response. Dysbiosis, whether caused by radiation or other factors, can influence both local and systemic immune responses. Another potential mechanism by which TLR has protective effects against radiation is activation of NF-κB signaling, which is essential for the protection of the gut against radiation-induced apoptosis. RT radiotherapy, TLR toll-like receptor, NF-κB nuclear factor-kappa B, DC dendritic cells, NK natural killer cells

Back to article page