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PPAR-γ Activation Alleviates Intestinal Dysfunction and Lactose Malabsorption in Experimental Food Allergy Rats
Yuyang Hao1,2, Lu Yao3, Yuxin Jin1,2
1College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100080, China.
Nutrients
|February 27, 2026
Summary
Activating PPAR-γ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) can improve lactose digestion and absorption in food allergy by maintaining lactase and transporter levels. This offers a potential treatment for allergy-related lactose malabsorption.
Area of Science:
- Immunometabolism
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Food allergy causes intestinal inflammation, damaging the gut lining and leading to secondary lactase deficiency.
- This impairs lactose digestion and absorption, with no current effective treatments.
- Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) is a nuclear receptor regulating gut epithelial function and nutrient absorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if PPAR-γ activation can preserve lactose digestion and absorption during allergic inflammation.
- To elucidate the underlying immunometabolic mechanisms involved.
Main Methods:
- Ovalbumin-sensitized Brown Norway rats with food allergy were treated with a PPAR-γ agonist (rosiglitazone) or antagonist (GW9662).
- Lactose absorption was assessed via lactose tolerance tests and intestinal transit measurements.
- Jejunal tissues were analyzed for lactase expression/activity and monosaccharide transporter levels (SGLT1/GLUT2).
Main Results:
- Allergic rats showed impaired lactose absorption, reduced lactase, and lower SGLT1/GLUT2 levels.
- Rosiglitazone treatment normalized lactose absorption, increased lactase expression/activity, and upregulated SGLT1.
- PPAR-γ inhibition worsened these parameters, indicating a protective role for PPAR-γ signaling.
Conclusions:
- PPAR-γ signaling is crucial for maintaining intestinal lactose digestion during allergic inflammation.
- Activation of PPAR-γ sustains lactase production and monosaccharide transporter expression.
- PPAR-γ agonism represents a promising therapeutic strategy for food allergy-associated lactose malabsorption.
