Changes in Intestinal Permeability Ex Vivo and Immune Cell Activation by Three Commonly Used Emulsifiers

Area of Science:

• Food science
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Emulsifiers are widely used in the food industry.
• Understanding their impact on gut health and immunity is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of three common emulsifiers: polysorbate 80 (P80), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and beta-lactoglobulin (β-lac).
• To investigate their impact on immune cell stimulation and intestinal permeability.

Main Methods:

• Immune stimulatory effects were assessed using the MUTZ-3 myeloid cell line.
• Intestinal permeability was evaluated using Caco-2 cell line and ex vivo Ussing chamber system with rat intestinal fragments.
• Emulsifier concentrations ranged from 0.02% to 1%.

Main Results:

• Polysorbate 80 (P80) demonstrated a greater effect on both myeloid cells and intestinal permeability compared to CMC and β-lac at high concentrations (p < 0.05).
• CMC showed no significant effect on intestinal permeability or MUTZ-3 cells.
• β-lac altered intestinal permeability in rat small intestine fragments.

Conclusions:

• Polysorbate 80 (P80) may exhibit higher cytotoxicity compared to CMC and β-lac.
• Food emulsifier choice can influence immune responses and gut barrier function.