Protective mechanism of a novel aminothiol compound on radiation-induced intestinal injury.

These results indicate that compound exerts its effects by maintaining structure and function of small intestine. It also reduces DNA damage, promotes crypt proliferation and differentiation. Moreover, it may enhance the anti-apoptotic ability of small intestinal tissue by inhibiting the activation of p53 and blocking the caspase cascade reaction. Compound can protect the intestinal tract from post-radiation damage, it is thus a new and effective protective agent of radiation.