Anti-Inflammatory Activity of In Vitro Digested Manna in a Caco-2 and RAW264.7 Cells Co-Culture Model of Inflammatory...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by intestinal barrier dysfunction and chronic inflammation.
• Manna, from *Fraxinus* species, contains mannitol and polyphenols with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Its potential therapeutic applications in IBD require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of a bioaccessible fraction of manna (BFM).
• To investigate the mechanisms underlying BFM's anti-inflammatory activity in an in vitro IBD model.
• To assess the potential synergistic or antagonistic effects of BFM with budesonide.

Main Methods:

• An in vitro Caco-2/RAW264.7 co-culture model was used to simulate IBD conditions.
• Caco-2 cells and RAW264.7 macrophages were pretreated with BFM before lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation.
• Key inflammatory markers, redox balance indicators, tight junction proteins, and signaling pathways (NF-κB) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• BFM significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α) in both cell types.
• BFM improved redox balance by decreasing iNOS, NOx, and ROS, and upregulated occludin, stabilizing tight junctions.
• BFM inhibited NF-κB signaling, reducing NF-κB p65 translocation, COX-2, and PGE2 production.

Conclusions:

• Manna's bioaccessible fraction exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and intestinal barrier-protective effects.
• BFM demonstrates therapeutic potential for managing inflammatory bowel disease at a non-laxative dose.
• Further research into manna as a nutraceutical for IBD is warranted.