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Flavonoids modulate tight junction barrier functions in hyperglycemic human intestinal Caco-2 cells
Sapna Sharma1, Prabhanshu Tripathi2, Jeetesh Sharma1
1Gene Regulation Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
|May 31, 2020
Summary
Flavonoids protect against high glucose effects on the gut by reducing oxidative stress and improving intestinal barrier function. This research highlights flavonoids as potential therapeutic agents for diabetes-related gut issues.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a global health crisis with rising incidence.
- Intestinal barrier dysfunction, particularly 'leaky gut', is increasingly linked to diabetes.
- Hyperglycemia can damage intestinal tight junctions (TJs), compromising barrier integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of oxidative stress in hyperglycemia-induced intestinal epithelial tight junction (TJ) dysfunction.
- To explore the protective effects of flavonoids on intestinal barrier function under hyperglycemic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Caco-2 cells were exposed to high glucose (HG) with or without flavonoids (quercetin, morin, naringenin).
- Assessed cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial potential, and proinflammatory cytokines.
- Measured transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), membrane permeability, and TJ protein expression.
Main Results:
- High glucose reduced cell viability, increased ROS and mitochondrial dysfunction, and decreased TER.
- Flavonoid treatment improved cell viability, reduced glucose uptake, and decreased ROS and proinflammatory markers.
- Flavonoids stabilized TJ protein interactions and prevented hyperglycemia-induced barrier disruption.
Conclusions:
- Flavonoids offer protection against hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress in intestinal cells.
- Flavonoids enhance intestinal barrier function by modulating key intracellular mechanisms.
- These findings suggest flavonoids as potential therapeutic agents for diabetic gut complications.
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