The effect of and its postbiotics on the expression of genes involved in the endocannabinoid system and intestinal epithelial integrity in Caco-2 cells.

PURPOSE

Gut microbiota and its derivatives by constantly interacting with the host, regulate the host function. Intestinal epithelium integrity is under the control of various factors including the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Accordingly, we aimed at investigating the effect of and its postbiotics (i.e., heat-inactivated, cell-free supernatants (CFS) and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs)) on the expression of genes involved in ECS () and the epithelial barrier permeability () in a Caco-2 cell line.

METHODS

Caco-2 cell line was treated with live or heat-inactivated at MOIs of 50 and 100, or stimulated with 7% V/V CFS and OMVs at a dose of 50 and 100 µg/ml overnight. RT-qPCR was applied for expression analysis.

RESULTS

Heat-inactivated induced , , and suppressed expression, while live had the opposite effect. OMVs increased , and expression by reducing the activity of ECS through an increase in and a reduction in expression. Finally, an increase in the expression of and , and a reduction in the expression of was detected in Caco-2 cells treated with CFS.

CONCLUSION

The live and heat-inactivated inversely affected , , , and expression in Caco-2 cells. Increased mRNA levels by affecting the expression of ECS related genes is taken as an indication of the potential beneficial effects of postbiotics and making them potential candidates for improving permeability in the leaky gut syndrome.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01264-8.