Abstract
The intestinal epithelial barrier plays a key protective role in the gut lumen. Bovine lactoferrin (bLF) has been reported to improve the intestinal epithelial barrier function, but its impact on tight junction (TJ) proteins has been rarely described. Human intestinal epithelial crypt cells (HIECs) were more similar to those in the human small intestine, compared with the well-established Caco-2 cells. Accordingly, both HIECs and Caco-2 cells were investigated in this study to determine the effects of bioactive protein bLF on their growth promotion and intestinal barrier function. The results showed that bLF promoted cell growth and arrested cell-cycle progression at the G2/M-phase. Moreover, bLF decreased paracellular permeability and increased alkaline phosphatase activity and transepithelial electrical resistance, strengthening barrier function. Immunofluorescence, western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that bLF significantly increased the expression of three tight junction proteins—claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1—at both the mRNA and protein levels, and consequently strengthened the barrier function of the two cell models. bLF in general showed higher activity in Caco-2 cells, however, HIECs also exhibited desired responses to barrier function. Therefore, bLF may be incorporated into functional foods for treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases which are caused by loss of barrier integrity.
Highlights
Bioactive protein molecules are widely found in animals, plants, and microorganisms [1]
The results indicated that Bovine lactoferrin (bLF) promoted the growth of the two cell line at each time point, Molecules
The results directly demonstrated that bLF has the ability to increase tight junction (TJ) protein production and thereby strengthen barrier function
Summary
Bioactive protein molecules are widely found in animals, plants, and microorganisms [1]. These proteins and their hydrolysates have antimicrobial, mineral-binding, antihypertensive, antioxidant, anticancer, and other bioactivities, providing health benefits and promoting well-being [2,3]. Milk is nutritionally balanced and is a good source of bioactive proteins [4]. Bovine lactoferrin (bLF) is a glycoprotein found in milk and is present in most exocrine secretions including tears, saliva, intestinal mucus, genital secretions, and the specific granules of neutrophils. Studies have demonstrated that bLF has antibacterial, immune-modulating, and anti-inflammatory properties [5,6], and notably, protective effects on intestinal barrier integrity [7].
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