Probiotics mixture reinforces barrier function to ameliorate necrotizing enterocolitis by regulating PXR-JNK pathway

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is linked to intestinal dysbiosis.
• Probiotics show promise in preventing and treating NEC, but mechanisms remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the mechanism by which probiotics ameliorate NEC.
• To investigate the role of the pregnane X receptor (PXR) in probiotic efficacy for NEC.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a mouse model of NEC.
• Administered a probiotic mixture and analyzed intestinal barrier function, microbiota composition, and PXR expression.
• Investigated PXR's role in Caco-2 cells exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Main Results:

• Probiotics enhanced intestinal barrier function by increasing tight junction components.
• Probiotics remodeled gut microbiota composition in NEC mice.
• Probiotic treatment increased PXR expression, which protected cells from LPS-induced barrier damage by inhibiting JNK phosphorylation.

Conclusions:

• Probiotics ameliorate NEC by enhancing mucosal barrier function.
• Probiotics may target PXR to increase tight junction components via JNK inhibition, thereby improving barrier integrity.