Curcumin Mitigates Immune-Induced Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction by Campylobacter jejuni

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Immunology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of foodborne illness, inducing diarrhea and intestinal inflammation.
• Curcumin, a polyphenol from turmeric, possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
• Epithelial barrier dysfunction is a key factor in C. jejuni-induced gastroenteritis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of curcumin against C. jejuni-induced immune-mediated epithelial barrier defects.
• To analyze curcumin's impact on barrier integrity, apoptosis, and inflammatory responses in an C. jejuni infection model.

Main Methods:

• Co-culture model using HT-29/B6-GR/MR epithelial cells and THP-1 immune cells.
• Electrophysiological measurements (transepithelial electrical resistance - TER) and fluorescein permeability assays.
• Analysis of apoptosis, tight junction protein distribution, and inflammatory cytokine secretion (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) in vitro and in vivo (IL-10^-/- mouse model).

Main Results:

• C. jejuni infection reduced TER and increased fluorescein permeability, indicating barrier dysfunction.
• Curcumin treatment attenuated the increase in fluorescein permeability in both co-culture and mouse models.
• Curcumin reversed C. jejuni-induced apoptosis, normalized tight junction distribution, and reduced inflammatory cytokine secretion.

Conclusions:

• Curcumin demonstrates protective effects against indirect, immune-mediated epithelial barrier defects caused by C. jejuni.
• Curcumin may hold potential as a therapeutic and protective agent for managing C. jejuni infections and related gastroenteritis.