Prevention of dextran sulfate sodium-induced mouse colitis by the fungal protein Ling Zhi-8 via promoting the barrier function of intestinal epithelial cells.

Abstract

The fungal immunomodulatory protein Ling Zhi-8 (LZ-8) isolated from Ganoderma lucidum (GL) regulates immune cells and inhibits tumor growth; however, the role of LZ-8 in protecting intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) is unknown. In this study, we aim to investigate the functional effect of LZ-8 on IECs. LZ-8 effectively rescued the pro-inflammatory cytokine-induced loss of tight junctions (TJs) by enhancing transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), reducing permeability, and maintaining the distribution of TJ proteins, in Caco-2 cells. Mechanistically, LZ-8 blocked the upregulation of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and NF-kB activation by TLR2-mediated suppression of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-1 expression. Furthermore, LZ-8 pre-treatment reduced the pathological scores of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. These results indicated that LZ-8 protected the barrier function of IECs against inflammation. Thus, LZ-8 may potentially be a novel candidate for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

• Authors: Yu-Huan Chen, Jenn-Yeu Shin, Hsiu-Mei Wei, Chi-Chien Lin, Linda C H Yu, Wei-Ting Liao, Dz-Chi Chen, Ching-Liang Chu
• Journal: Food & function (Food Funct) Vol. 12 Issue 4 Pg. 1639-1650 (Mar 01 2021) ISSN: 2042-650X [Electronic] England
• PMID: 33481975 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Fungal Proteins
• Protective Agents
• LZ-8 protein, Ganoderma lucidum
• Dextran Sulfate

Topics

• Animals
• Caco-2 Cells
• Cell Survival (drug effects)
• Colitis (chemically induced, metabolism)
• Dextran Sulfate (adverse effects)
• Epithelial Cells (drug effects)
• Fungal Proteins (pharmacology)
• Humans
• Intestinal Mucosa (cytology, metabolism)
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred C57BL
• Protective Agents (pharmacology)
• Tight Junctions (drug effects)