Blueberries Reduce Palm Oil-Induced Metabolic Endotoxemia in an In Vitro Human Intestinal-Immune Cell Model.

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Metabolic endotoxemia (ME), elevated plasma LPS from dietary lipids, links to cardiometabolic diseases.
• Berry consumption is associated with reduced endotoxemia, but mechanisms are unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate blueberry, blackberry, and banana effects on ME using an in vitro human intestinal-immune cell model.
• Elucidate the mechanisms behind fruit-mediated reduction of ME.

Main Methods:

• An in vitro model using Caco-2 intestinal cells and THP1-Lucia macrophages was employed.
• Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) translocation and NF-κB activation were measured after exposure to palm oil and fruit extracts.

Main Results:

• Palm oil facilitated LPS translocation across Caco-2 cells, increasing macrophage NF-κB activation.
• Berries and bananas significantly reduced palm oil + LPS-induced NF-κB activation.
• Transcriptomic data suggest berries inhibit LPS translocation via clathrin-mediated transcytosis.

Conclusions:

• Fruits, particularly berries, may prevent ME by modulating lipid-induced LPS translocation.
• The anti-inflammatory effects of berry-rich diets could stem from mitigating ME.