Combined Prebiotic Extract of Mung Bean, Red Bean, and Fennel Improves Intestinal Barrier Integrity in HT-29 Cells...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction.
• Gut microbiota dysbiosis is frequently observed in IBD patients.
• Prebiotic interventions show potential for managing IBD by modulating the gut environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of a novel prebiotic mixture extract (PME) from mung bean, red bean, and fennel in inflammatory bowel disease.
• To evaluate PME's impact on intestinal epithelial barrier function, inflammation, and gut microbiota composition.
• To identify potential active compounds within PME responsible for its therapeutic effects.

Main Methods:

• In vitro studies using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated HT-29 intestinal epithelial cells.
• In vivo studies utilizing a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model.
• Analysis of gene expression, inflammatory markers, intestinal permeability, and gut microbiota composition.

Main Results:

• PME demonstrated concentration-dependent antioxidant activity and reduced inflammatory gene expression (TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB) in HT-29 cells.
• PME treatment in colitis models improved colon length, reduced inflammatory cytokines, and restored intestinal barrier integrity.
• PME modulated gut microbiota, increasing beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium) and decreasing harmful taxa (e.g., Escherichia).

Conclusions:

• The PME exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and barrier-protective properties relevant to IBD management.
• Vitexin, a flavonoid found in PME, is a likely mediator of these observed protective effects.
• PME represents a promising therapeutic strategy for IBD by reinforcing intestinal homeostasis through anti-inflammatory and microbiota-regulating actions.