Investigation of the role of selected plant products in the protection of the intestinal barrier on the human Caco-2 colorectal cell model in relation to the prevention of the metabolic syndrome

Lifestyle modification through diet, regular exercise and weight control is the primary means of lowering triglycerides and glucose levels, and studies have proven the effectiveness of such changes in the prevention and treatment of diseases related to metabolic syndrome. Due to the high cost of their treatment, both in terms of human life and economic considerations, the search for safe and effective natural agents supporting their therapy seems highly desirable. One of the therapeutic goals in the treatment of obesity and other diseases related to metabolic syndrome is to inhibit digestion and the absorption of nutrients, such as fats and carbohydrates, by inhibiting the action of digestive enzymes. For this reason, the digestive tract and the intestinal barrier play a key role in this type of disease. The intestinal epithelial cell layer provides a complex defense system that separates the intestinal contents from the host tissues, and also contains the cells of the immune system. The integrity of this system is necessary to maintain normal intestinal permeability, as its disturbance leads to the flow of intestinal lumen contents into the circulation (intestinal barrier leakage) and the development of gradually increasing chronic inflammation in the tissues. Increased permeability is believed to be the basis of the pathogenesis of many diseases such as enteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, autoimmune diseases (celiac disease, atopic lesions), type I diabetes, acute pancreatitis, cirrhosis, as well as multiple sclerosis and rheumatism. Even diseases that are not directly related to mucosal functions, such as heart failure and myocardial infarction, are likely to be exacerbated by increased mucosal permeability. Therefore, the prevention of intestinal barrier leakage or inflammation of the intestine by preparations of plant origin or plant materials rich in bioactive compounds is of preventive importance. This proposal tries to show the beneficial role of medicinal and traditional herbal preparations, which are often used especially in Central European countries. Due to the widespread use in the form of herbal teas, marmalades, jams, jellies and drinks, it seems reasonable to search for compounds inhibiting the absorption of certain dietary components among these raw materials. Among the generally available dietary ingredients, products obtained from hop cones, chokeberry fruit, wild elderberry, quince, dogwood or wild rose, as well as hibiscus flowers and hazelnuts play a significant role. Others, such as sea buckthorn, barberry, rowan or acorns, are increasingly gaining in importance. The herb of mugwort and black cumin seeds are used as culinary spices.In the context of searching for multidimensional factors in the prevention of the metabolic syndrome among plant species rich in bioactive compounds, an initial selection of the material selected for the study will be carried out on the basis of the assessment of lowering the activity of enzymes associated with inhibiting the digestion of fats and carbohydrates. The most active extracts will undergo subsequent stages of the artificial digestion process. Therefore, it will be possible to identify plant-based ingredients that actually reach the large intestine. Ultimately, the project plans to conduct studies using the human colon cell model - the Caco-2 cell line growing in a monolayer - which is used to assess the absorption of compounds in vitro. Recent studies report an interesting question about the signals sent by the intestinal flora as well as the interaction of the bacterial flora with the intestinal mucosa. The bacterial-epithelial interaction is believed to be important in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and has a profound effect on the host's immune system. The project aims to elucidate the role of plant materials in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal wall and protecting the mucosa, especially against agents secreted by pathogenic bacteria that can enter the bloodstream and trigger an immune response. What's more, the test will help to determine which extract ingredients are absorbed and whether they also have anti-inflammatory effects. The growing awareness of patients is visible in the increase in the distribution of probiotics on the pharmaceutical market, not only in connection with antibiotic therapy. Increasingly, probiotics are recommended to reduce the incidence and severity of diarrhea in children as well as autoimmune diseases (atopic dermatitis). It is believed that the immature layer of intestinal villi in newborns is the primary route of allergen invasion. Natural products can strengthen the functions of the physiological barrier between the bacterial flora and the intestine, as well as protect against pathogenic factors. This effect likely translates into health benefits from childhood to adulthood. The use of fiber and natural compounds, especially polyphenols, and preparations rich in polyphenols, used in everyday life in the form of teas and drinks, can be an effective support for conventional therapy and prevention of civilization diseases. In addition, attention should be paid to the safety of these preparations in comparison with drugs used in the long term in the treatment of metabolic diseases. In particular, patients discouraged from conventional therapy due to the side effects of synthetic drugs tend to choose natural products. In the future, the solution to the presented issue may therefore be of great preventive importance. Given that prophylaxis provides more benefits than treatment, this type of action at the gut level appears to benefit both patients and the healthcare system.