Apigenin mitigates intestinal barrier dysfunction in sepsis by modulating the AKT signaling pathway

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Pharmacology
• Immunology

Background:

• Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by a dysregulated host response to infection, leading to organ dysfunction.
• The intestinal barrier is crucial for maintaining homeostasis, and its compromise is a hallmark of sepsis.
• Natural compounds offer potential therapeutic avenues for managing sepsis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of apigenin on intestinal barrier function during sepsis.
• To elucidate the underlying anti-inflammatory and barrier-protective mechanisms of apigenin.
• To identify key molecular targets of apigenin in the context of sepsis.

Main Methods:

• A murine model of sepsis and Caco-2 cell line were utilized.
• Apigenin treatment effects on intestinal permeability (FITC-dextran assay) and tight junction protein expression were assessed.
• Systemic inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α) and key protein targets (MMP-9, COX-2) were quantified.

Main Results:

• Apigenin treatment significantly improved intestinal barrier integrity.
• Apigenin reduced serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α.
• Apigenin suppressed MMP-9 and COX-2 expression, targeting AKT1 and MMP-9.

Conclusions:

• Apigenin effectively preserves intestinal barrier function during sepsis.
• Apigenin exerts its protective effects through combined anti-inflammatory and barrier repair mechanisms.
• Apigenin demonstrates therapeutic potential for sepsis management.