Pectin limits epithelial barrier disruption by Citrobacter rodentium through anti-microbial effects

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Citrobacter rodentium (C. rodentium) is a murine pathogen causing intestinal damage, diarrhea, and inflammation, analogous to human EPEC and EHEC.
• Dietary fiber, particularly pectin, is explored for its potential to mitigate epithelial damage caused by enteric pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of dietary pectin against C. rodentium-induced intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction.
• To determine if pectin's protective mechanisms are structure-dependent or involve TLR2 activation.

Main Methods:

• Assessed pectin's barrier protective effects using transepithelial electrical resistance and lucifer yellow fluxes on epithelial cells.
• Investigated pectin's interaction with C. rodentium and other enteric bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum, E. coli) using competition ELISA.
• Evaluated pectin-induced TLR2 activation.

Main Results:

• All tested pectins demonstrated barrier protective effects against C. rodentium, independent of pectin structure or TLR2 activation.
• Pectins exhibited anti-adhesive properties by interacting directly with C. rodentium, not epithelial cells.
• Antimicrobial activity of pectins against C. rodentium was confirmed, with minimal effect on L. plantarum and E. coli.

Conclusions:

• Pectin effectively protects the intestinal epithelial barrier from C. rodentium-induced damage.
• The primary protective mechanism involves pectin's direct antimicrobial and anti-adhesive effects on C. rodentium.