Figure 4

Dose-dependent BLF501-induced protection from injury to the mucosa of the small intestine in mice repeatedly injected with DXR and 5-FU. Histopathological detection of: (A) UNTR, untreated; (B) DXR + 5-FU; (C) DXR + 5-FU + BLF501 2.5 μg/kg; (D) DXR + 5-FU + BLF501 25 μg/kg; (E) BLF501 25 μg/kg; (F) DXR + 5-FU luminal bacterial content. (G) Summary of evaluated parameters. Statistical analysis: villus length, DXR + 5-FU + BLF501 25 μg/kg vs DXR + 5FU, ** p = 0.0014; DXR + 5FU + BLF501 2.5 μg/kg vs DXR + 5-FU, ** p = 0.0026. Percentage of goblet cells: DXR + 5-FU + BLF501 25 μg/kg vs DXR + 5-FU, * p = 0.0383. Damage score: +++ SEVERE; ++ MILD; + LIGHT; 0 ABSENT (A-E). Bars: 20 μm. Results are from triplicate determinations.