Expression of Tight Junction Proteins According to Functional Dyspepsia Subtype and Sex

Abstract

Background/Aims To determine whether the expression of tight junction proteins (TJPs) differs depending on the subtype of functional dyspepsia (FD) and sex. Methods Control (n = 95) and FD (n = 165) groups based on Rome III criteria were prospectively enrolled. Gastric mucosal mRNA expression levels of various TJPs (claudins [CLDN] 1, 2, and 4; zonula occludens-1; occludin [OCLN]) were assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Western blot was performed to determine the levels of various TJPs. Helicobacter pylori infection status was evaluated by histology, rapid urease test, and culture. Questionnaires were analyzed. Results In all groups irrespective of H. pylori, FD group showed significantly higher CLDN2 mRNA levels than control group (P = 0.048). The level of CLDN4 mRNA expression was significantly lower in female FD group than in male FD group (P = 0.018). In H. pylori uninfected subjects, the level of CLDN1 mRNA expression in female FD group was significantly lower than that of male FD group (P = 0.014). The level of CLDN2 mRNA expression was significantly higher in the male postprandial distress syndrome (P = 0.001) and male epigastric pain syndrome (P = 0.023) groups than in the male control group. In Western blot analysis, the expression of OCLN was significantly elevated 48 hour after the culture with H. pylori strain 43504. Conclusions H. pylori can affect a variety of TJPs, particularly claudin-4 and occludin. Claudin-2 is thought to be involved in FD irrespective of H. pylori status, especially in the pathophysiology of male FD.

Roles of Sex Hormones and Gender in the Gut Microbiota

“…Our team found that Helicobacter pylori was shown to be related to various tight junction proteins, particularly claudin-4 and occludin. 92 Interestingly, an increase in claudin-2 was thought to be involved in male functional dyspepsia but not in females. 92 …”

“… 92 Interestingly, an increase in claudin-2 was thought to be involved in male functional dyspepsia but not in females. 92 …”

Transcriptome profiling implicated in beneficiary actions of kimchi extracts against <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> infection

“…(42)(43)(44) We speculate these tight junction proteins might play to improve H. pylori-associated functional dyspepsia in addition to carcinogenesis. (45)(46)(47) Conclusively, since tight junction disruption is closely associated with either dysregulation of gastric mucosal barrier or gastric carcinogenesis, (48) kimchi afforded anticipating food factor to keep tight junction protein, CLDN18.…”

Gut microbiota dysbiosis in functional gastrointestinal disorders: Underpinning the symptoms and pathophysiology

“…Furthermore, in susceptible conditions, a harmful pathogen or the consumption of certain foods impairs intestinal barrier function by altering tight junctions, resulting from proteasome‐mediated degradation triggered by inflammatory mediators including proteases, eicosanoids, and histamine 75 . Several studies showed that the expression of adhesion proteins, zonula occludens‐1 and occludin, was significantly lower in duodenal biopsy samples with decreased transepithelial resistance and impaired intestinal barrier function in FGID patients compared to controls 76,77 . Recently, a new endoscopic technology, confocal laser endomicroscopy and endocytoscopy, enables us to carry out a high‐resolution assessment of GI mucosal histology at cellular and subcellular levels and obtain “optical biopsies” of the endoluminal surface 78 .…”