Chemotherapy often causes diarrhea.
Crypt epithelial cells on the lining of the small intestine reproduce almost as
fast as the bone marrow cells. Therefore, crypt cells are often easily damaged
by chemotherapy.
Epithelial cells derived from crypt
cells actively secrete electrolytes and
play an important role in the re-absorption of water secretion in the intestines.
During a normal digestive process, suitable amount of water are secreted
into the lumen of the small intestine as part of the digestion process; most of
the water is reabsorbed afterwards. Damage
of crypt cells by chemotherapy disturbs the normal water-absorption process in
the intestine, thus causing diarrhea.
© Jiajiu Shaw, 2020
Disclaimer: This blog is written solely for informational purposes. It does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other medical professional health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All contents posted are extracted from the book, "SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIOTHERAPY", prepared by Dr. Jiajiu Shaw, Dr. Frederick Valeriote, and Dr. Ben Chen.
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