Real-time monitoring of trans-epithelial electrical resistance in cultured intestinal epithelial cells: the barrier protection of water-soluble dietary fiber.

Objective: In this study we aimed to verify a real-time trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) monitoring system in a Caco-2 monolayer and to investigate the therapeutic effect of partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG), a dietary fiber, against interferon (IFN)-γ-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction using this monitoring system.

Methods: We measured TEER using a real-time monitoring system and evaluated epithelial paracellular permeability using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated dextran (4 kDa; FD4) in Caco-2 monolayers treated with IFN-γ for 48 h. The expression and distribution of tight junction (TJ)-associated proteins, ZO-1 and occludin, were analyzed by Western blot and immunocytochemistry, respectively. In some experiments PHGG was added prior to IFN-γ treatment in order to investigate its protective effect on barrier function.

Results: IFN-γ treatment significantly decreased TEER and increased FD4 flux across Caco-2 monolayers, indicating a great influence of IFN-γ on the intestinal epithelial paracellular permeability. In contrast, the pretreatment of PHGG significantly reduced the IFN-γ-induced increment of FD4 flux without affecting TEER. Neither IFN-γ nor PHGG treatment affected the expressions of TJ-associated proteins, while immunocytochemistry showed that IFN-γ-induced redistribution of occludin was clearly restored by PHGG.

Conclusions: Real-time TEER monitoring enabled us to evaluate the dynamic changes of intestinal epithelial barrier function. PHGG may have a protective effect against IFN-γ-induced barrier dysfunction by attenuating the paracellular hyperpermeability; thus, its promotion as a functional food is anticipated.