β-Carotene reduced LPS-induced intestinal inflammation in colonic epithelial cells and promoted the levels of tight junction proteins, which might lead to enhanced barrier function.
Does β-carotene reduce LPS-induced intestinal inflammation and enhance tight junction proteins in an in vitro colonic epithelial cell model?
β-Carotene reduces LPS-induced inflammation and enhances tight junction proteins in an in vitro colonic epithelial cell model, suggesting potential benefits for intestinal barrier integrity.
Background: Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments accounting for the brilliant colors of fruits and vegetables. They may display antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in humans besides being precursors to vitamin A. There is a gap of knowledge in examining their role within colonic epithelial cells. We proposed to address this research gap by examining the effects of a major dietary carotenoid, β-carotene, in the in vitro epithelial cell model. Methods: We examined the function of β-carotene in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway. We conducted western blotting assays to evaluate expressions of TLR4 and its co-receptor, CD14. We also examined NF-κB p65 subunit protein levels in the model system. Furthermore, we studied the impact of β-carotene on the tight junction proteins, claudin-1, and occludin. We further carried out immunocytochemistry experiments to detect and visualize claudin-1 expression. Results: β-Carotene reduced LPS-induced intestinal inflammation in colonic epithelial cells. β-Carotene also promoted the levels of tight junction proteins, which might lead to enhanced barrier function. Conclusions: β-Carotene could play a role in modulating the LPS-induced TLR4 signaling pathway and in enhancing tight junction proteins. The findings will shed light on the role of β-carotene in colonic inflammation and also potentially in metabolic disorders since higher levels of LPS might induce features of metabolic diseases.
Cheng et al. (Mon,) conducted a other in Colonic inflammation. β-carotene vs. LPS stimulated control was evaluated on Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) and tight junction proteins (claudin-1, occludin). β-Carotene reduced LPS-induced intestinal inflammation in colonic epithelial cells and promoted the levels of tight junction proteins, which might lead to enhanced barrier function.