A Postbiotic Derived from Lactobacillaceae Protects Intestinal Barrier Function in a Challenge Model Using Colon...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• Postbiotics, derived from beneficial bacteria, are increasingly recognized for their potential health benefits.
• Maintaining intestinal barrier integrity is crucial for gut health and preventing inflammation.
• Lactobacillaceae species are known for their probiotic and health-promoting properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a specific postbiotic on intestinal epithelial barrier function and cytokine production.
• To evaluate the dose-dependent efficacy of the postbiotic in a human colonic organoid model.
• To determine the impact of the postbiotic on drug-induced epithelial damage and inflammatory responses.

Main Methods:

• Human-derived colon tubules were cultured on chips and treated with afatinib to induce epithelial barrier disruption.
• A postbiotic derived from Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis was administered at varying concentrations (5, 10, 20 mg/mL).
• Trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and phase contrast imaging were used to assess barrier integrity, while cytokine levels were measured.

Main Results:

• All tested postbiotic concentrations significantly improved TEER recovery compared to the control group.
• Higher postbiotic doses (10 and 20 mg/mL) demonstrated a more pronounced effect on TEER restoration.
• The highest dose (20 mg/mL) significantly reduced a range of pro-inflammatory cytokines, indicating a shift towards an anti-inflammatory profile.

Conclusions:

• The Lactobacillaceae-derived postbiotic effectively protected against drug-induced epithelial damage in a colonic organoid model.
• The postbiotic demonstrated a dose-dependent enhancement of epithelial barrier recovery and function.
• This postbiotic modulates cytokine secretion, promoting an anti-inflammatory environment within the gut.