Open AccessThe influence of microbial metabolites on human intestinal epithelial cells and macrophages in vitro
Author(s) -
Nuenen Marleen H.M.C.,
Ligt Rianne A.F.,
Doornbos Robert P.,
Woude Janneke C.J.,
Kuipers Ernst J.,
Venema Koen
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
fems immunology & medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1574-695X
pISSN - 0928-8244
DOI - 10.1016/j.femsim.2005.03.010
Subject(s) - barrier function , secretion , biology , immune system , butyrate , tumor necrosis factor alpha , microbiology and biotechnology , interleukin , proinflammatory cytokine , interleukin 8 , intestinal epithelium , cytokine , valerate , in vitro , epithelium , inflammation , immunology , biochemistry , fermentation , genetics
Microbial metabolites may influence the metabolic integrity of intestinal epithelial cells and induce mucosal immune responses. Therefore, we investigated the effects of the microbial metabolites butyrate, iso ‐valerate, and ammonium on Caco‐2 cells and macrophages. Barrier functioning was determined by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance and basolateral recoveries of metabolites. The barrier function of Caco‐2 cells remained intact after exposures. Basolateral recoveries ranged from 6.2% to 15.2%. Tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐10 were measured to determine immune reactions. The Caco‐2 cells did not secrete both cytokines. Physiological concentrations of butyrate and iso ‐valerate stimulated the secretion of tumour necrosis factor‐α and suppressed the secretion of interleukin‐10 by macrophages that are not protected by an epithelial barrier. In contrast, ammonium concentrations as high as those produced by microbiotas of IBD patients suppressed the release of both cytokines when the barrier function is impaired.