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Probiotics and commensals reverse TNF-alpha- and IFN-gamma-induced dysfunction in human intestinal epithelial cells

Silvia Resta-Lenert1, Kim E Barrett

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA.

Gastroenterology
|March 15, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Probiotics and commensal bacteria protect intestinal epithelial cells from cytokine damage. These beneficial bacteria reverse harmful effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma on gut barrier function.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Commensal bacteria are vital for mucosal immune system development.
  • Probiotics, a subset of commensals, may shield mucosal surfaces from pathogens.
  • Probiotics can reverse pathogen-induced epithelial cell damage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if probiotics and commensals can reverse epithelial damage induced by cytokines.
  • To assess the impact of probiotics and commensals on cytokine-mediated alterations in intestinal epithelial cell function.

Main Methods:

  • Human intestinal epithelial cells were treated with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).
  • Cells were co-treated with probiotics (Streptococcus thermophilus [ST] and Lactobacillus acidophilus [LA]) or Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (BT).
  • Assessed outcomes included ion transport, transepithelial resistance (TER), and epithelial permeability.

Main Results:

  • IFN-γ-induced inhibition of chloride secretion was prevented by ST/LA or BT.
  • ST/LA or BT reversed TNF-α and IFN-γ-induced reductions in TER and increases in epithelial permeability.
  • Probiotic pretreatment reduced cytokine-induced activation of SOCS3 and STAT1,3.

Conclusions:

  • Probiotic and commensal pretreatment protect intestinal epithelial cells from deleterious cytokine effects.
  • These findings support the use of probiotics in managing inflammatory gut disorders.
  • The study expands understanding of beneficial bacteria's role in intestinal epithelial health.

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