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Updated: May 30, 2026

Methods to Study Epithelial Transport Protein Function and Expression in Native Intestine and Caco-2 Cells Grown in 3D
Published on: March 16, 2017
Bioavailability of genistein, daidzein, and their glycosides in intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells
A Steensma1, H P Noteborn, R C Jagt
1State Institute for Quality Control of Agricultural Products, (RIKILT-DLO), Bornsesteeg 45, P.O. Box 230, 6700 AE Wageningen, The Netherlands; Wageningen Agriculture University, Department of Food Technology and Nutritional Sciences, Sub Department of Toxicology, Tuinlaan 5, 6703 HE Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
In this study information was obtained on bioavailability of genistein, daidzein and their glycosides in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells grown on semi-permeable filters. The integrity of Caco-2 monolayers was confirmed by transepithelial electrical resistance measurements and by determination of the permeability of the radioactive marker polyethylene glycol (PEG4000). After 6 h approximately 30-40% of genistein and daidzein added at the apical side was transported to the basolateral side and this level was maintained for 24 h, The glycosides were barely transported through the Caco-2 cells. No significant metabolism of genistein and daidzein in the Caco-2 cells occurred, whereas the glycosides were mainly metabolised to their respective aglycones. Obviously, our data indicates that Caco-2 cells contain an endogenous glycosidase activity.
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