A 64-Year-Old Man Develops Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain, Nausea, Vomiting, and Anorexia

A 64-year-old man develops diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia 3 weeks after starting radiation therapy for prostate cancer.  Physical examination shows abdominal tenderness.  Sigmoidoscopy reveals hyperemia, edema, erosion, and ulceration of the intestinal mucosa.  Stool and serum chemistries are normal.  Radiation enteritis is suspected.  Which of the following is most likely the primary mechanism responsible for this patient's intestinal changes?

A) Generation of reactive oxygen species
B) Increased activity of the ubiquitin-proteasome system
C) Inhibition of DNA polymerase
D) Inhibition of thymidylate synthesis
E) Prevention of microtubule assembly

Correct Answer:

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