Scope
The epithelial glycocalyx development is of great importance for microbial colonization. Human milk oligosaccharides (hMOs) and non‐digestible carbohydrates (NDCs) may modulate glycocalyx development.
Methods and results
The effects of hMOs and NDCs on human gut epithelial cells (Caco2) are investigated by quantifying thickness and area coverage of adsorbed albumin, heparan sulfate (HS), and hyaluronic acid (HA) in the glycocalyx. Effects of hMOs (2′‐FL and 3‐FL) and NDCs [inulins with degrees of polymerization (DP) (DP3‐DP10, DP10‐DP60, DP30‐DP60) and pectins with degrees of methylation (DM) (DM7, DM55, DM69)] are tested using immunofluorescence staining at 1 and 5 days stimulation. HMOs show a significant enhancing effect on glycocalyx development but effects are structure‐dependent. 3‐FL induces a stronger albumin adsorption and increases HS and HA stronger than 2′‐FL. The DP3‐DP10, DP30‐60 inulins also increase glycocalyx development in a structure‐dependent manner as DP3‐DP10 selectively increases HS, while DP30‐DP60 specifically increases HA. Pectins have less effects, and only increase albumin adsorption.
Conclusion
Here, it is shown that 2′‐FL and 3‐FL and inulins stimulate glycocalyx development in a structure‐dependent fashion. This may contribute to formulation of effective hMO and NDC formulations in infant formulas to support microbial colonization and gut barrier function.
de Vos (2020): More than sugar in the milk: human milk oligosaccharides as essential bioactive molecules in breast milk and current insight in beneficial effects, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition,
Scope
Human milk oligosaccharides (hMOs) have beneficial effects on intestinal barrier function, but the mechanisms of action are not well understood. Here, the effects of hMOs on goblet cells, which indicate that some hMOs may enhance mucus barrier function through direct modulation of goblet cell function, are studied.
Methods and results
The modulatory effects of 2′‐fucosyllactose (2′‐FL), 3‐fucosyllactose (3‐FL), lacto‐N‐triaose II (LNT2), and galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOS) on the expression of goblet cell secretory related genes MUC2, TFF3, and RETNLB, and the Golgi‐sulfotransferase genes CHST5 and GAL3ST2 of LS174T are determined by real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR. 3‐FL, LNT2, and GOS‐modulated LS174T gene expression profiles in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. In addition, the upregulation of MUC2 is confirmed by immunofluorescence staining. Effects of 2′‐FL, 3‐FL, LNT2, and GOS on gene transcription of LS174T are also assessed during exposure to TNF‐α, IL‐13, or tunicamycin. During TNF‐α challenge, 3‐FL and LNT2 enhance MUC2 and TFF3 gene expression. After IL‐13 exposure, 2′‐FL, 3‐FL, and LNT2 all show upregulating effects on MUC2; 3‐FL and LNT2 also enhance TFF3 expression. LNT2 significantly reverses Tm‐induced downregulation of TFF3, RETNLB, and CHST5.
Conclusion
The findings indicate that hMOs may enhance mucus barrier function through direct modulation of intestinal goblet cells. Effects are structure‐ and stressor‐dependent.
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