Rhein protects against barrier disruption and inhibits inflammation in intestinal epithelial cells.
Int Immunopharmacol 2019;
71:321-327. [PMID:
30952096 DOI:
10.1016/j.intimp.2019.03.030]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Intestinal epithelial barrier and intestinal inflammation play indispensable roles in the development of intestinal diseases. The major aims of the current study were to investigate the potential of rhein, a major flavonoid compound isolated from Rheum rhabarbarum, in the treatment of intestinal diseases and its underlying mechanisms in vitro.
METHODS
The protective role of rhein on intestinal epithelial barrier was evaluated in a monolayer of IEC-6 cells stimulated by TNF-α, while the anti-inflammatory effects were investigated in an IEC-6 cell model with LPS stimulation.
RESULTS
Rhein inhibited the increase of phenol red flux and the decrease of TEER, as well as recovered the expression and distribution of ZO-1 and weakened MLC phosphorylation, MLCK expression and NF-κB activation. Meanwhile, LPS-stimulated IL-1β and IL-6 were down-regulated, expression levels of TLR4, NLRP3 and cleaved caspase1 were weakened and NF-κB was inactivated.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggested that rhein has potential therapeutic effects against intestinal diseases by maintaining intestinal epithelial barrier and suppressing intestinal inflammation.
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