Colon Adenocarcinoma Cell Line Caco-2 Research Articles

A Machine Learning Approach for Predicting Caco-2 Cell Permeability in Natural Products from the Biodiversity in Peru.

Peru is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, which is reflected in its wealth of knowledge about medicinal plants. However, there is a lack of information regarding intestinal absorption and the permeability of natural products. The human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2) is an in vitro assay used to measure apparent permeability. This study aims to develop a quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) model using machine learning algorithms to predict the apparent permeability of the Caco-2 cell in natural products from Peru. A dataset of 1817 compounds, including experimental log Papp values and molecular descriptors, was utilized. Six QSPR models were constructed: a multiple linear regression (MLR) model, a partial least squares regression (PLS) model, a support vector machine regression (SVM) model, a random forest (RF) model, a gradient boosting machine (GBM) model, and an SVM-RF-GBM model. An evaluation of the testing set revealed that the MLR and PLS models exhibited an RMSE = 0.47 and R2 = 0.63. In contrast, the SVM, RF, and GBM models showcased an RMSE = 0.39-0.40 and R2 = 0.73-0.74. Notably, the SVM-RF-GBM model demonstrated superior performance, with an RMSE = 0.38 and R2 = 0.76. The model predicted log Papp values for 502 natural products falling within the applicability domain, with 68.9% (n = 346) showing high permeability, suggesting the potential for intestinal absorption. Additionally, we categorized the natural products into six metabolic pathways and assessed their drug-likeness. Our results provide insights into the potential intestinal absorption of natural products in Peru, thus facilitating drug development and pharmaceutical discovery efforts.

Impact of the thyroid hormone T3 and its nuclear receptor TRα1 on colon cancer stem cell phenotypes and response to chemotherapies

Colorectal cancers (CRCs) are highly heterogeneous and show a hierarchical organization, with cancer stem cells (CSCs) responsible for tumor development, maintenance, and drug resistance. Our previous studies showed the importance of thyroid hormone-dependent signaling on intestinal tumor development and progression through action on stem cells. These results have a translational value, given that the thyroid hormone nuclear receptor TRα1 is upregulated in human CRCs, including in the molecular subtypes associated with CSC features. We used an established spheroid model generated from the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line Caco2 to study the effects of T3 and TRα1 on spheroid formation, growth, and response to conventional chemotherapies. Our results show that T3 treatment and/or increased TRα1 expression in spheroids impaired the response to FOLFIRI and conferred a survival advantage. This was achieved by stimulating drug detoxification pathways and increasing ALDH1A1-expressing cells, including CSCs, within spheroids. These results suggest that clinical evaluation of the thyroid axis and assessing TRα1 levels in CRCs could help to select optimal therapeutic regimens for patients with CRC.Proposed mechanism of action of T3/TRα1 in colon cancer spheroids. In the control condition, TRα1 participates in maintaining homeostatic cell conditions. The presence of T3 in the culture medium activates TRα1 action on target genes, including the drug efflux pumps ABCG2 and ABCB1. In the case of chemotherapy FOLFIRI, the increased expression of ABC transcripts and proteins induced by T3 treatment is responsible for the augmented efflux of 5-FU and Irinotecan from the cancer cells. Taken together, these mechanisms contribute to the decreased efficacy of the chemotherapy and allow cells to escape the treatment. Created with BioRender.com.

Euphorbia factor L1 inhibited transport channel and energy metabolism in human colon adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2

Euphorbia factor L1 (EFL1) is a kind of lathyrane-type diterpenoid and is isolated from the medical herb Euphorbia lathyris L. (Euphorbiaceae); it has been reported with the toxicity that causes intestinal irritation, but the underlying mechanisms are still obscure. The objective of this study was to assess the EFL1-induced intestinal cytotoxicity in human colon adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells. The Caco-2 cells were treated with EFL1, and the intracellular calcium ion concentration, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) content, ATPase activities, TGF-β1 concentration, and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) were detected. The interaction between EFL1 and the tight junction proteins Occludin, Claudin-4, Tricellulin, ZO-1, JAM-1, and E-cadherin was simulated by molecular docking. The expression of proteins involved in the energy metabolism, the ion transporters and aquaporins, the tight junction, and the F-actin cytoskeleton were detected by Western blotting and cell immunofluorescence. As a result, EFL1 decreased the intracellular Ca2+, MMP, mPTP, ATP content, and ATPase activities in the Caco-2 cells. The AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway, which regulates the energy metabolism, was inhibited. The ion transporters NEH and CFTR, as well as the aquaporins in the Caco-2 cells, were decreased. The tight junction proteins were down-regulated, and the integrity of the intestinal barrier was injured; TGF-β1 was compensatively increased; so, the intestinal permeability was increased and was characterized by decreased TEER. The morphology of the F-actin cytoskeleton was destroyed. These findings indicated that EFL1 caused cytotoxicity in the human intestinal Caco-2 cells through mitochondrial damage, inhibition of the energy metabolism, and suppression of the ion and water molecule transporters, as well as the down-regulation tight junction and cytoskeleton protiens.

Exosomes derived from EphB2-overexpressing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells regulate immune balance and repair barrier function

Disruption of intestinal barrier function and an imbalance in intestinal immunity are crucial for the occurrence and development of ulcerative colitis. Because of their important roles in regulating inflammation and immunity, exosomes (Exos) released from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) may be useful for treating ulcerative colitis. The EphB/EphrinB signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the inflammatory process and the development and function of immune cells, and can mediate long-distance intercellular communication through extracellular vesicles. This study was conducted to explore the effects of pre-modified BMSC-Exos expressing EphB2 (EphB2-Exos) on immunoregulation in vitro. We transfected a lentivirus vector encoding EphB2 into BMSCs and isolated EphB2-Exos from the culture supernatant. Inflammation and oxidative damage in the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2) were induced by dextran sulfate sodium/hydrogen peroxide. In addition, spleen CD4+ T lymphocytes of rats were sorted in vitro. We conducted a series of experiments to explore the biological functions of EphB2-Exos. EphB2-Exos were successfully isolated and were found to significantly protect the activity, proliferation, and migration of Caco-2 cells that were inhibited by dextran sulfate sodium. EphB2-Exos alleviated inflammation and apoptosis and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes while inhibiting oxidative stress in Caco-2 cells. EphB2-Exos restored intestinal barrier function by inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway and regulated the polarization of CD4+T cells. EphB2-Exos enhanced intestinal barrier function and regulated the immune balance by inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway in vitro. These findings suggest that EphB2-Exos can be applied as a cell-free therapy for ulcerative colitis.

Cytotoxic, apoptotic, and necrotic effects of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using Origanum majorana extract

application. Anticancer activity of Origanum majorana extract and silver nanoparticles was investigated by MTT assay using human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines (Capan-1), mouse normal fibroblast cell lines (L929), and human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2). AgNPs@Om exhibited the excellent cytotoxic effect on Capan-1 cell lines with the cell viability of 29.17% and 25.70%, 22.49%, 21.16% at 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 μg/mL respectively. However, the extract was determined to show moderate activity. A considerable fall in the viable cell number in Caco-2 cell lines was observed after the treatment of AgNPs@Om. The viable cells of Caco-2 cell lines were detected as 32.0% at 1.0 μg/mL with the treatment of nanoparticles. Yet, the viable Caco-2 cells were determined as 48.2% with the treatment of O. majorana extract. Both extract and nanoparticles had no impact on the viability of non-tumor cells (L929). Moreover, nanoparticles induced apoptosis. Consequently, AgNPs@Om may be a promising anticancer drug candidate.

Integrated Analysis of Transcriptome and microRNA Profile Reveals the Toxicity of Euphorbia Factors toward Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Cell Line Caco-2.

Euphorbia factors, lathyrane-type diterpenoids isolated from the medical herb Euphorbia lathyris L. (Euphorbiaceae), have been associated with intestinal irritation toxicity, but the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are still unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the transcriptome and miRNA profiles of human colon adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells in response to Euphorbia factors L1 (EFL1) and EFL2. Whole transcriptomes of mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) were obtained using second generation high-throughput sequencing technology in response to 200 μM EFL treatment for 72 h, and the differentially expressed genes and metabolism pathway were enriched. Gene structure changes were analyzed by comparing them with reference genome sequences. After 72 h of treatment, 16 miRNAs and 154 mRNAs were differently expressed between the EFL1 group and the control group, and 47 miRNAs and 1101 mRNAs were differentially expressed between the EFL2 group and the control. Using clusters of orthologous protein enrichment, the sequenced mRNAs were shown to be mainly involved in transcription, post-translational modification, protein turnover, chaperones, signal transduction mechanisms, intracellular trafficking, secretion, vesicular transport, and the cytoskeleton. The differentially expressed mRNA functions and pathways were enriched in transmembrane transport, T cell extravasation, the IL-17 signaling pathway, apoptosis, and the cell cycle. The differentially expressed miRNA EFLs caused changes in the structure of the gene, including alternative splicing, insertion and deletion, and single nucleotide polymorphisms. This study reveals the underlying mechanism responsible for the toxicity of EFLs in intestinal cells based on transcriptome and miRNA profiles of gene expression and structure.

Intracellular Location and Function of Nuclear Factor of Erythroid Origin 2 (Nrf2) in Modeling Oxidative Stress <i>in vitro</i>

INTRODUCTION: Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a member of capncollar (CNC) family of subfamily of leucine zipper transcription factors that regulates cell protection against toxic substances and oxidants.
 AIM: To determine location, mechanism of activation and role of Nrf2 in conditions of oxidative stress in vitro.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2). Oxidative stress (OS) was modeled by adding hydrogen peroxide (Н2О2) at concentrations of 0.1 М100 М to the nutritive medium and incubation for 24 and 72 hours. In assessment of Nrf2 function, its inhibitor ― AEM1 ― was added to cells at a concentration of 5 М. The extent of OS development was determined using photometric methods by the concentration of protein SH-groups and carbonyl derivatives of protein, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Viability of cells was assessed by the results of cytotoxic test (MTT assay), the amount of Nrf2 in the cytoplasm and nucleus was determined by heterogenous ELISA method.
 RESULTS: Incubation of Caco-2 cells with Н2О2 resulted in decrease in the level of protein SH-groups and increase in the concentration of carbonyl derivatives of protein. In incubation with H2O2 at concentrations of 0.1 М10 М for 24 hours and 10 М for 72 hours, the activity of SOD increased. At concentrations of Н2О2 of 50 М and 100 М (24 hour and 72 hour), SOD activity and viability of cells decreased. Exposure to Н2О2 led to translocation of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm into nucleus. Direct correlation dependence was revealed between concentration of protein SH-groups and the amount of Nrf2 in the cytoplasm in incubation with H2O2 for 24 hour (r = 0.44, р = 0.03), 72 hour (r = 0.34, р = 0.05). The amount of Nrf2 in the nucleus positively correlated with SOD activity in the cytoplasm on exposure to H2O2 for 24 hour (r = 0.77, р = 0.0001) and 72 hour (r = 0.36, р = 0.06). In inhibition of Nrf2 in conditions of exposure to H2O2, the viability of cells decreased to a larger extent.
 CONCLUSION: Hydrogen peroxide induces the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, which promotes activation of antioxidant enzyme SOD and preserves viability of cells of OS conditions in vitro.

Inhibitory effect of DL-butionine sulfoximine on P-glycoprotein activity in vitro

Background. P-glycoprotein (Pgp) is a multidrug resistance protein 1 with broad substrate specificity. Its functioning can change under the influence of various substances, so the search for endogenous and exogenous compounds that modulate the activity of the transporter protein is an important area of research.
 Aim. To evaluate the effect of DL-butionine sulfoximine on the activity and amount of the Pgp transporter protein in Caco-2 cells.
 Material and methods. The study was performed on a human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2). Cells were incubated with DL-butionine sulfoximine and quinidine (a classical Pgp inhibitor) at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 M for 3 hours. Pgp activity was evaluated by the transport of its substrate, fexofenadine, which concentration was determined by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (Stayer, Russia). The results were analyzed using StatSoft Statistica 13.0 (ANOVA), IC50 was calculated using GraphPad Prism 8 software. Differences were considered statistically significant at p 0.05.
 Results. Incubation with DL-butionine sulfoximine and quinidine at concentrations of 1500 M for 3 hours did not affect the amount of Pgp in Caco-2 cells. Pgp activity decreased when using DL-butionine sulfoximine at concentrations of 50500 M by a maximum of 47.7% (p=0.040). Quinidine at concentrations of 5500 M reduced Pgp activity by a maximum of 79.1% (p=0.0002) at a concentration of 500 M. Quinidine inhibited Pgp activity at lower concentrations compared to DL-butionine sulfoximine: the IC50 of fexofenadine with quinidine was 5.160.59 mol/l, for DL-butionine sulfoximine it was 17.212.46 mol/l (p= 0.001).
 Conclusion. DL-butionine sulfoximine has a direct inhibitory effect on the activity of the Pgp transporter protein on the Caco-2 cell line.

Transport mechanism of hydroxy-propyl-beta-cyclodextrin modified solid lipid nanoparticles across human epithelial cells for the oral absorption of antileishmanial drugs

BackgroundIn this study, the transport mechanism of fluorescently labeled hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HPβ-CD) modified SLNs loaded with Amphotericin B (AmB) and Paromomycin (PM) have been investigated by using in vitro human epithelial cell model of a human colonic adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2). MethodsFabrication of HPβ-CD modified fluorescently labeled AmB and PM-loaded SLNs (HPꞵ-CD-FITC-DDSLNs) was performed by using the emulsion solvent evaporation method. Caco-2 cells were used to investigate different endocytosis and exocytosis pathways to be followed by the nanoparticles. Intracellular co-localization of nanoformulation with different organelles was investigated. ResultsThe toxicity studies have shown the biocompatible nature of the modified lipid nanoparticles. The average particle size and PDI of HPꞵ-CD-FITC-DDSLNs were found to be 187 ± 2.3 nm and 0.31 respectively. The most prevalent endocytosis mechanisms were shown to be macropinocytosis and caveolae (lipid raft) dependent pathways. The Golgi complex and endoplasmic reticulum are the confirmed destinations of HPꞵ-CD-FITC-DDSLNs in the Caco-2 cell monolayer, even though lysosomes have been shown to escape and play a minimal role during nanoparticle transport. ConclusionHPꞵ-CD-DDSLNs were found to be biocompatible and safe for delivering hydrophobic as well as hydrophilic drugs through an oral route to target the RES system for the treatment of visceral leishmania. General significanceUnderstanding the process underlying the transport of modified solid lipid nanoparticles for oral drug delivery could be useful for many medicines with low solubility, permeability, and stability.

Polyphenol Content of Green Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Hull under In Vitro Digestion and Effects of Digestive Products on Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Intestinal Barrier in the Caco-2/Raw264.7 Coculture Model.

Green pea hulls are a byproduct of the processing of green pea and are rich in phenolic substances. In the present study, in vitro digestion, human colonic adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2) monolayer, and the Caco-2/macrophage cell lines of the murine origin (Raw264.7) coculture model were established to investigate the release of polyphenols, absorption, and transport of digestive products and their effects on inflammation and intestinal barrier. During the digestive process, polyphenols were constantly released from the pea hulls, reaching the maximum amount in the small intestine (total phenolic content (TPC): 5.41 ± 0.04 mg gallic acid (GAE)/g dry weight (DW)), and the digestive products (800 μg/mL) could reduce the secretion of NO (50.9%), IL-6 (50.6%), and TNF-α (24.6%) and inhibit the mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) (37.2%) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (91.1%) compared with the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group. A total of 12 phenolic components were quantified by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-OrbiTrap-MS) technology. Kaempferol trihexoside in digestive products could be absorbed and transported (1.25 ± 0.13 ng quercetin/mL). The digestive products could promote the expression of claudin-1 (210.8%), occludin (64.9%), and zonulin occludin-1 (ZO-1) (52.0%) compared with the LPS group and exert anti-inflammatory effects after being absorbed. The results indicated that pea hull polyphenols could be continuously released and absorbed to play a positive role in protecting the intestinal barrier and anti-inflammatory activity.

Anticancer Activity of Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori.: A Native Plant in Traditional Herbal Medicine of the United Arab Emirates

Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori. is a native desert tree growing in United Arab Emirates (UAE). The plant is being cultivated in many parts of UAE, owing to its uses in traditional medicinal and food systems. In the present study bioactivities of cultivated M. peregrina species samples are evaluated with cytotoxic studies in the human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2). Different extracts with hexane, chloroform, acetone and methanol were prepared from tubers, leaves and stem of M. peregrina for estimating their antioxidant contents and anticancer activities. The study was performed at different concentrations and all the extracts showed dose-depended response on both the cell lines. Among the extracts tested, the chloroform extract of stem showed remarkable anti-proliferative/cell death activity (IC50 = 45.53 µg/mL of 48 h incubation and 33.32 µg/mL of 72 h incubation) on MCF-7 cell lines. Whereas the same extract showed comparatively less activity (IC50 = 93.75 µg/mL of 48 h incubation and 87.76 µg/mL of 72 h incubation) on Caco-2 cell lines. The anti-proliferative effect of leaf extract with chloroform showed a drastic change in cell viability from 48 to 72 h incubation, in MCF-7 cells 220 to 87.5 µg/mL and in Caco-2 cells 500.9 to 72.9 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, less than 200 µg/mL of IC50 values reported in hexane extracts of tubers (188.6 µg/mL for 48 h and 164.3 µg/mL for 72 h), acetone extracts of tubers (167.4 µg/mL for 72 h) and acetone extracts of stem (171.5 µg/mL for 48 h and 101.7 µg/mL for 72 h) on MCF-7 cells. PARP (Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase) cleavage assay and DNA fragmentation assay performed to understand the cause of cell death. Treatment of extract on the normal fibroblast cell line required more concentration for cytotoxicity compared to the treatment on the cancer cells. This ability of the extract proved the anti-cancer property of the M. peregrina extract from the stem, tuber and leaves. The information provided in the present study enables further studies on the isolation and characterization of an anticancer molecule from the tubers of M. peregrina.

Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis-A Comparison of Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Activities of Standardized Fruit Extracts in Human Neutrophils and Caco-2 Models.

Fruits of Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis are representative plant materials traditionally used in Europe and Asia, respectively, in the treatment of diabetes and diabetes-related complications, which are often mediated by pathogenic inflammatory agents. Additionally, due to the fact of mutual infiltration of Asian and European medicines, the differentiation as well as standardization of traditional prescriptions seem to be crucial for ensuring the quality of traditional products. The objective of this study was a comparison of biological activity of extracts from fruits of C. mas and C. officinalis by an assessment of their effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in human neutrophils as well as cytokines secretion both in neutrophils (tumor necrosis factor α, TNF- α; interleukin 8, IL-8; interleukin 1β, IL-1β) and in human colon adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2 (IL-8). To evaluate the phytochemical differences between the studied extracts as well as to provide a method for standardization procedures, a quantitative analysis of iridoids, such as loganin, sweroside, and loganic acid, found in extracts of Cornus fruits was performed with HPLC-DAD. All standardized extracts significantly inhibited ROS production, whereas the aqueous-alcoholic extracts were particularly active inhibitors of IL-8 secretion by neutrophils. The aqueous-methanolic extract of C. officinalis fruit, decreased IL-8 secretion by neutrophils to 54.64 ± 7.67%, 49.68 ± 6.55%, 50.29 ± 5.87% at concentrations of 5, 50, and 100 µg/mL, respectively, compared to LPS-stimulated control (100%). The aqueous extract of C. officinalis fruit significantly inhibited TNF-α release by neutrophils at concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/mL. On the other hand, the aqueous-ethanolic extract of C. mas fruit showed the propensity to increase TNF-α and IL-1β secretion. The modulatory activity of the Cornus extracts was noted in the case of secretion of IL-8 in Caco-2 cells. The effect was comparable with dexamethasone. The content of loganin in aqueous and aqueous-methanolic extract of C. officinalis fruit was higher than in the aqueous-ethanolic extract of C. mas fruit, which was characterized by a significant quantity of loganic acid. In conclusion, the immunomodulatory effect observed in vitro may partially confirm the traditional use of Cornus fruits through alleviation of the development of diabetes-derived inflammatory complications. Loganin and loganic acid are significant markers for standardization of C. mas and C. officinalis fruit extracts, respectively.

Prevalence of bacteriocin genes in Lactobacillus strains isolated from fecal samples of healthy individuals and their inhibitory effect against foodborne pathogens.

Objective(s): Foodborne diseases are considered as an important public health issue. The purpose of the current study was to isolate Lactobacillus spp. strains from fecal samples, investigate their antimicrobial properties, and assess the expression of genes encoding bacteriocin in co-culture of Lactobacillus with enteric pathogens. Materials and Methods:Fecal samples of healthy people were collected. Human colon adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2 was used to examine Lactobacillus strains adherence capacity. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to determine bacteriocin-encoding genes expression in co-culture of the selected Lactobacillus strain with Salmonella, Shigella, and two diarrheagenic Escherichia coli serotypes during 4, 6, and 24 hr of incubation. Results:The selected L. plantarum strain was able to inhibit four foodborne pathogens in both methods. L. plantarum No.14 exhibited the highest ability to adhere to Caco-2 cells. In this study, pln F, sak P, pln I, pln B, and pln J genes of L. plantarum No.14 were upregulated in co-culture of L. plantarum No.14 with diarrheagenic E. coli serotypes. In addition, acd, Lactacin F, sak P, pln J, pln EF, and pln NC8 genes as well as pln NC8 and pln A genes mRNA levels were significantly increased in co-culture of L. plantarum No.14 with Shigella dysenteriae, and Salmonella typhi, respectively, during 24 hrs of incubation. Conclusion:Other studied genes were down-regulated during the incubation time. The selected L. plantarum strains could be served as alternative antimicrobial agents against pathogens which could contaminate foodstuffs and are responsible for human diseases.

Defensin γ-thionin from Capsicum chinense improves butyrate cytotoxicity on human colon adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2

Butyrate is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that induces apoptosis and inhibits cell proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. To improve its anticancer activity, butyrate has been evaluated mixed with drugs and different molecules. Plant antimicrobial peptides are attractive anticancer alternative molecules because they show selective cytotoxic activity against different cancer cell lines. In this work, we explore if the plant defensin γ-thionin (Capsicum chinense) can improve butyrate activity on Caco-2 cell line and we also determined the mechanism of death activated. The combined treatment of γ-thionin (3.5 µM) and butyrate (50 mM) showed higher cytotoxicity on Caco-2 cells with respect to single treatments. Also, the combined treatment reduced cell proliferation and exhibited a higher rate of apoptosis than single treatments. Combined treatment induced caspases 8 and 9 activation to an extent comparable with that of butyrate while γ-thionin did not activate caspases. Additionally, reactive oxygen species generation preceded the onset of apoptosis, and superoxide anion production was higher in cells treated with the combined treatment. The γ-thionin from Habanero chili pepper improved the butyrate cytotoxicity on Caco-2 cells. This effect occurred through apoptosis induction associated with reactive oxygen species production. Therefore, the combination of butyrate with cytotoxic antimicrobial peptides could be an attractive strategy for cancer therapy. How to cite: Velázquez-Hernández ME, Ochoa-Zarzosa A, López-Meza JE, Defensin γ-thionin from Capsicum chinense improves butyrate cytotoxicity on human colon adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2. Electron J Biotechnol 2021;52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2021.04.009

Achillea santolina and Raphanus sativus extracts downregulated NOTCH1, SIX1 and WNT1 developmental gene expressions in breast and colon cancer cell lines: Thesis Abstract

Thesis Abstract Background: Although anticancer treatment with chemotherapy is effective, cancer response occurs due mainly to reduction of cancer stem cells. The development of cancer stem cell is regulated by several genes including NOTCH1, SIX1 and WNT1. Aim: we have found recently that treatment of Caco2, HepG2 and MCF-7 with Achillia santolina or Rahanus sativus results antitumor effect. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effect of these natural product on the gene expressions NOTCH1, SIX1 and WNT1 in Caco2 and MCF-7. Materials and Methods: Colon adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco2) and Breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) as well as normal amniotic cell line (WISH) were treated with 110 IC50 concentration of Achillea santolina and Raphanus sativus extracts to compared to 110 IC50 of cisplatin as a reference chemotherapy drug. Total RNA was extracted after 72 hours of treatment and incubation then cDNA was prepared for reverse transcriptase PCR for NOCH1, WNT1, and SIX1. Results: R. sativus treatment highly decreased NOTCH1 expression in MCF7 and Caco2 cell lines, while decreased SIX1 gene expression in Caco2 cell line and WNT1 in MCF7 cell line. On the other hand, A. santolina observably decreased the WNT1 gene expression in MCF7 cell line. Conclusion: The crude extracts of R. sativus decreased the developmental gene expression of NOTCH1, SIX1 in Caco2 cell line as same as on NOTCH1 and WNT1 in MCF-7 cell line more than cisplatin chemotherapy. While the A. santolina crude extract decrease the expression of WNT1 in MCF-7 cell line more than cisplatin chemotherapy.

Studies on absorption and transportation of coumarins in Angelica dahurica 'Yubaizhi' across human intestinal epithelial by using human Caco-2 cell monolayers

The absorption is the key to the resulted efficacy of orally administered drugs and the small intestine is the main site to absorb the orally administered drug. In this paper, internationally recognized human colon adenocarcinoma cell line(Caco-2) monola-yer model which can simulate small intestinal epithelial cell was used to comparatively study the absorption and transportation diffe-rences of total coumarins and main individual coumarin in Angelica dahurica 'Yubaizhi' by separately using 6-and 12-well plates. It was found that apparent permeability coefficient(P_(app)) values of oxypeucedanin hydrate, byakangelicin and phellopterin were at the quantitative degree of 1 × 10~(-5) cm·s~(-1) when the individual administration was conducted independently, indicating that they were well-absorbed compounds. P_(app) ratio of their bi-directional transportation was close to 1, indicating that they can be absorbed across Caco-2 monolayer by passive diffusion mechanism without carrier mediation during the transportation. The similar trend of transportation was also observed for imperatorin, isoimperatorin and bergapten. The P_(app) values of oxypeucedanin hydrate, byakangelicin and bergapten were at quantitative degree of 1 × 10~(-5) cm·s~(-1) when the administration of total coumarins in Angelica dahurica 'Yubaizhi' was conducted, indicating that they were well-absorbed compounds. The results were consistent with those of independent administration of individual coumarins. Whereas, the P_(app) values of imperatorin, phellopterin and isoimperatorin in the total coumarins decreased, indicating that the interaction between compounds may exist although the P_(app) value ratio of bi-directional transportation was between 0.5 and 1.5. The results laid the foundation for intestinal absorption study of Angelica dahurica 'Yubaizhi' coumarins in compound Chinese medicine.

Piezo1 regulates intestinal epithelial function by affecting the tight junction protein claudin-1 via the ROCK pathway

AimsDefective tight junctions (TJs) can induce intestinal epithelial dysfunction, which participates in various diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome. However, the mechanisms of TJ defects remain unclear. Our study revealed the role of Piezo1 in regulating intestinal epithelial function and TJs. Materials and methodsThe human colonic adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2 were cultured on Transwell plate to form an epithelial barrier in vitro, and Piezo1 expression was manipulated using a lentivirus vector. Epithelial function was evaluated by measuring transepithelial electronic resistance (TEER) and 4-kDa FITC-dextran (FD4) transmission. TJ proteins (claudin-1, occludin, ZO-1) were evaluated by RT-PCR, western blot, and immunostaining analysis. Potential signal pathways, including the ROCK and Erk pathways, were detected. Moreover, to explore the regulatory effect of Piezo1 activity on epithelial function, inhibitors (ruthenium red, GsMTx4) and an agonist (Yoda1) were introduced both ex vivo and in vitro. Key findingsAlteration of Piezo1 expression altered epithelial function and the expression of the tight junction protein claudin-1. Piezo1 expression regulated phosphorylated ROCK1/2 expression, whereas interference on ROCK1/2 prevented the regulation of claudin-1 by Piezo1. In both Caco-2 monolayer and mouse colon epithelium, Piezo1 activity directly modulated epithelial function and permeability. SignificancePiezo1 negatively regulates epithelial barrier function by affecting the expression of claudin-1. Such regulation may be achieved partially via the ROCK1/2 pathway. Moreover, activating Piezo1 can induce epithelial dysfunction.

Exosomes Derived from EphB2-Overexpressing Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Regulate Immune Balance and Repair Barrier Function <i> in vitro</i>

Background: Disruption of intestinal barrier function and an imbalance in intestinal immunity are crucial for the occurrence and development of ulcerative colitis. Because of their important roles in regulating inflammation and immunity, exosomes (Exos) released from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) may be useful for treating ulcerative colitis. The EphB/EphrinB signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the inflammatory process and the development and function of immune cells, and can mediate long-distance intercellular communication through extracellular vesicles. This study was conducted to explore the effects of pre-modified BMSC-Exos expressing EphB2 (EphB2-Exos) on immunoregulation in vitro. Method: sWe transfected a lentivirus vector encoding EphB2 into BMSCs and isolated EphB2-Exos from the culture supernatant. Inflammation and oxidative damage in the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2) were induced by dextran sulfate sodium/hydrogen peroxide. In addition, spleen CD4+ T lymphocytes of rats were sorted in vitro. We conducted a series of experiments to explore the biological functions of EphB2-Exos. Results: EphB2-Exos were successfully isolated and were found to significantly protect the activity, proliferation, and migration of Caco-2 cells that were inhibited by dextran sulfate sodium. EphB2-Exos alleviated inflammation and apoptosis and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes while inhibiting oxidative stress in Caco-2 cells. EphB2-Exos restored barrier function by inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway and regulated the polarization of CD4+T cells. Conclusion: EphB2-Exos enhanced intestinal barrier function and regulated the immune balance by inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway in vitro. These findings suggest that EphB2-Exos can be applied as a cell-free therapy for ulcerative colitis.

Cytochrome P450 expression, induction and activity in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived intestinal organoids and comparison with primary human intestinal epithelial cells and Caco-2 cells

Human intestinal organoids (HIOs) are a promising in vitro model consisting of different intestinal cell types with a 3D microarchitecture resembling native tissue. In the current study, we aimed to assess the expression of the most common intestinal CYP enzymes in a human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived HIO model, and the suitability of that model to study chemical-induced changes in CYP expression and activity. We compared this model with the commonly used human colonic adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2 and with a human primary intestinal epithelial cell (IEC)-based model, closely resembling in vivo tissue. We optimized an existing protocol to differentiate hiPSCs into HIOs and demonstrated that obtained HIOs contain a polarized epithelium with tight junctions consisting of enterocytes, goblet cells, enteroendocrine cells and Paneth cells. We extensively characterized the gene expression of CYPs and activity of CYP3A4/5, indicating relatively high gene expression levels of the most important intestinal CYP enzymes in HIOs compared to the other models. Furthermore, we showed that CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 were induced by β-naphtoflavone in all three models, whereas CYP3A4 was induced by phenobarbital and rifampicin in HIOs, in the IEC-based model (although not statistically significant), but not in Caco-2 cells. Interestingly, CYP2B6 expression was not induced in any of the models by the well-known liver CYP2B6 inducer phenobarbital. In conclusion, our study indicates that hiPSC-based HIOs are a useful in vitro intestinal model to study biotransformation of chemicals in the intestine.

Избирательное изменение экспрессии α-субъединиц интегринов в клетках кишечного эпителия Caco-2 при гипоксии в условиях микроциркуляции

Intestinal epithelial cells are constantly exposed to physiologically hypoxic environment. The further reduction of tissue oxygen delivery may result in the intestinal epithelial cells function impairment, being a sign of active inflammation. The cultivation conditions are important when performing in vitro studies, since those may affect the cells’ properties. The study was aimed to assess the integrin receptor expression in the human colon adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cell line when simulating both hypoxic condition using the cobalt chloride and microcirculation. Transcriptome analysis revealed the significantly increased expression of the integrin receptors ITGA2 and ITGA5 α2- and α5-subunit genes under hypoxic conditions, as well as the reduction of ITGA5 during incubation in the microfluidic chip. The expression of β-subunits did not change. Analysis of microRNA transcriptomes revealed the decreased expression of hsa-miR-766-3p and hsa-miR-23b-5p microRNA. One of the validated targets for both microRNAs is mRNA of gene ITGA5. It has been shown that microcirculation makes it possible to bring the intestinal epithelial cells cultivation conditions closer to physiological conditions. The possible biological significance of the detected integrin expression profile alterations and the role of microcirculation have been discussed.