Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
A Novel Method for the Culture and Polarized Stimulation of Human Intestinal Mucosa Explants
Published on: May 1, 2013
Pulp Callus Extract From Malus domestica var. Mela Rosa Marchigiana Preserves Intestinal Barrier Integrity and
Alessandro Nicois1,2, Daniele Fraternale1, Francesco Palma1
1Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy.
Abstract:
The gut-brain axis is a key target in neuroinflammatory disorders. We investigated the protective effects of Mela Rosa Marchigiana pulp callus extract (MRME), a phytocomplex with a unique triterpenic profile. Using a validated transwell co-culture model of the intestinal-neural interface, differentiated Caco-2 cells formed a polarized epithelial barrier (apical), while BV2 microglia or SH-SY5Y neurons were seeded in the basolateral compartment. Apical MRME pretreatment preserved Caco-2 barrier integrity against lipopolysaccharide or dextran sodium sulfate-induced damage. MRME maintained occludin integrity and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), effectively neutralizing "leaky gut"-like conditions. By stabilizing the barrier, MRME exerted indirect neuroprotection since high-throughput live-cell imaging revealed dose-dependent reductions in reactive oxygen species generation and apoptosis (caspase-3/7 activation) in both BV2 and SH-SY5Y cells. MRME demonstrated a microbiologically neutral profile, exerting no inhibitory effects on either pathogenic or probiotic strains up to 10,000 μg/mL. MRME provides dual protection by strengthening the intestinal barrier and shielding the neural environment from systemic inflammation through host cellular modulation rather than microbial interference. These findings suggest MRME as a promising nutraceutical candidate for gut-brain axis dysregulation.
Insights
Mela Rosa Marchigiana extract (MRME) strengthens the intestinal barrier and protects neurons from inflammation. This phytocomplex offers dual protection for the gut-brain axis without impacting gut microbiota.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The gut-brain axis is implicated in neuroinflammatory disorders.
- Dysregulation of this axis contributes to various neurological conditions.
- Novel therapeutic targets are needed to modulate gut-brain communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of Mela Rosa Marchigiana pulp callus extract (MRME) on the intestinal barrier and neural cells.
- To evaluate MRME's impact on gut-brain axis integrity and neuroinflammation.
- To assess MRME's safety profile concerning gut microbiota.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a transwell co-culture model simulating the intestinal-neural interface.
- Assessed Caco-2 cell barrier integrity (occludin, TEER) against inflammatory triggers.
- Quantified reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis (caspase-3/7) in BV2 microglia and SH-SY5Y neurons.
- Evaluated MRME's effect on pathogenic and probiotic bacterial strains.
Main Results:
- MRME pretreatment preserved Caco-2 barrier integrity and occludin expression, preventing "leaky gut" conditions.
- MRME significantly reduced ROS generation and apoptosis in both microglia and neurons.
- MRME demonstrated a neutral microbiological profile, showing no inhibitory effects on tested bacterial strains.
Conclusions:
- MRME strengthens the intestinal barrier, providing indirect neuroprotection.
- MRME modulates host cellular responses to mitigate neuroinflammation.
- MRME is a promising nutraceutical candidate for addressing gut-brain axis dysregulation.
