Abstract
Gut barrier disruption is the initial pathogenesis of various diseases. We previously reported that dietary allicin improves tight junction proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum stressed jejunum. However, whether the allicin benefits the gut barrier within mycotoxin or endotoxin exposure is unknown. In the present study, IPEC-J2 cell monolayers within or without deoxynivalenol (DON) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenges were employed to investigate the effects of allicin on intestinal barrier function and explore the potential mechanisms. Results clarified that allicin at 2 μg/mL increased the viability, whereas the allicin higher than 10 μg/mL lowered the viability of IPEC-J2 cells via inhibiting cell proliferation. Besides, allicin increased trans-epithelial electric resistance (TEER), decreased paracellular permeability, and enhanced ZO-1 integrity of the IPEC-J2 cell monolayers. Finally, allicin supplementation prevented the LPS-induced barrier damages via activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway-dependent antioxidant system. In conclusion, the present study strongly confirmed allicin as an effective nutrient to improve intestinal barrier function and prevent bacterial endotoxin-induced barrier damages.
Highlights
The gut epithelial barrier is composed of a single layer of enterocytes located in the inner wall of the intestine and the tight junctions between the enterocytes
We firstly investigated the protective effects of allicin on intestinal epithelial barrier damages induced by DON, as the DON-contaminated food could disrupt gut barrier function, as indicated by our previous study [23]
The present study demonstrated the protective roles of allicin in LPS challenged intestinal epithelial barrier
Summary
The gut epithelial barrier is composed of a single layer of enterocytes located in the inner wall of the intestine and the tight junctions between the enterocytes. Maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier is a key target to prevent the development of these diseases. Intestinal epithelial cells are conjugated by tight junctional complexes, which regulate the permeability of adjacent cells and maintain the integrity of the epithelial barrier [4]. We previously reported that allicin, as an effective organic osmotic substance, plays an important role in regulating cells’ adaptation to endoplasmic reticulum stress [8]. Attributed to the activities in inhibiting cell proliferation [9], allicin might be effective in cancer treatment [10]. The specific effects and mechanisms of allicin involved in the intestinal barrier function remain elusive
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