Butyrate and propionate restore interleukin 13-compromised esophageal epithelial barrier function

Mirelle T A Kleuskens, Maria L Haasnoot, Bart M Herpers, Marleen T J van Ampting, Albert J Bredenoord, Johan Garssen, Frank A Redegeld, Betty C A M van Esch*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a food allergen driven disease that is accompanied by interleukin (IL) 13 overexpression and esophageal barrier dysfunction allowing transepithelial food allergen permeation. Nutraceuticals, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that restore barrier function and increase immune fitness may be a promising tool in the management of EoE. Here, we investigated the effects of the SCFAs acetate, propionate, and butyrate on an IL-13-compromised human esophageal epithelial barrier, including the mechanisms involved. Methods: An air-liquid interface culture model of differentiated human EPC2-hTERT (EPC2) was used to study whether SCFAs could restore barrier function after IL-13-induced impairment. Esophageal epithelial barrier function was monitored by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and FITC-dextran paracellular flux, and was further examined by qPCR and immunohistochemical analysis. G protein-coupled receptor (GPR) GPR41, GPR43, GPR109a, or histone deacetylase (HDAC) (ant)agonists were used to assess mechanisms of action of SCFAs. Results: IL-13 stimulation decreased TEER and increased FITC flux, which was counteracted by butyrate and propionate, but not acetate treatment. Barrier proteins FLG and DSG1 mRNA expression was upregulated following butyrate and propionate treatment, whereas expression of eosinophil chemoattractant CCL26 and protease CAPN14 was downregulated. Similarly, butyrate and propionate restored FLG and DSG1 protein expression. Similar effects were observed with an HDAC antagonist but not with GPR agonists. Conclusion: Nutraceuticals butyrate and propionate restore the barrier function of esophageal epithelial cells after an inflammatory insult and may be of therapeutic benefit in the management of EoE.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1510-1521
Number of pages12
JournalAllergy
Volume77
Issue number5
Early online date30 Aug 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2022

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This research is funded within the Partnership between NWO domain Applied and Engineered Sciences and Danone Nutricia Research and with additional financial support from Topsector Agri and Food, project number 16495 with the acronym LOIRE. We thank Dr. Anil Rustgi (University of Pennsylvania) for the EPC2‐hTERT cell line.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 The Authors. Allergy published by European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Keywords

  • barrier function
  • dietary intervention
  • eosinophilic esophagitis
  • interleukin 13
  • short-chain fatty acids

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