Abstract
The maintenance of intestinal homeostasis is necessary for a good quality of life, and strengthening of the intestinal barrier function is thus an important issue. Therefore, we focused on soybean resistant protein (SRP) derived from kori-tofu (freeze-dried tofu), which is a traditional Japanese food, as a functional food component. In this study, to investigate the effect of SRP on the intestinal barrier function and intestinal microbiota, we conducted an SRP free intake experiment in mice. Results showed that ingestion of SRP decreased the serum level of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and induced the expression of Reg3γ, thereby improving the intestinal barrier function. In addition, SRP intake induced changes in the cecal microbiota, as observed by changes in β-diversity. In particular, in the microbiota, the up-regulation of functional gene pathways related to the bacterial invasion of epithelial cells (ko05100) was observed, suggesting that Reg3γ expression was induced by the direct stimulation of epithelial cells. The results of this study suggest that SRP is a functional food component that may contribute to the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis.
Highlights
The gastrointestinal tract is a frontline barrier against external factors, such as food antigens and microbes
We assessed the functionality of soybean resistant protein (SRP) derived from kori-tofu in mice with the aim of enhancing intestinal homeostasis through the use of functional food components
Free intake of feed containing SRP increased the expression of the antibacterial peptide Reg3γ in the cecum, suggesting that the intestinal barrier function, especially the chemical barrier, was enhanced in the mice
Summary
The gastrointestinal tract is a frontline barrier against external factors, such as food antigens and microbes. Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), immune cells, and the microbiota are related to each other, and together, they help maintain intestinal homeostasis [1]. The intestinal barrier is classified into physical and chemical barriers, and it enables intestinal homeostasis to be maintained by separating the non-self and the host [4]. The physical barrier consists of mucus and the firm linking of IECs, i.e., tight junctions. The chemical barrier consists of antimicrobial peptides [5]. The regenerating islet-derived 3 (Reg3) protein, which is a C-type lectin, plays an essential role in the segregation of the microbiota
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