Background: This study investigates the impact of fermentation supernatants (FSs) from
Pleurotus eryngii whole mushrooms (PEWS), as well as its subcomponents, digested (PEWSD) and extracted (PEWSE) forms, on intestinal barrier function and immune modulation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -stimulated Caco-2 cells.
Methods:
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Background: This study investigates the impact of fermentation supernatants (FSs) from
Pleurotus eryngii whole mushrooms (PEWS), as well as its subcomponents, digested (PEWSD) and extracted (PEWSE) forms, on intestinal barrier function and immune modulation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -stimulated Caco-2 cells.
Methods: Gene expression of tight junction (TJs) genes, cytokines, and key immune/metabolic receptors was assessed via qRT-PCR, while cytokine protein levels were measured using ELISA to explore post-transcriptional regulation.
Results: LPS challenge significantly downregulated TJs
zonula occludens-1 (
ZO-1,)
occludin, and
claudin-1, compromising epithelial integrity. Treatment with FS-PEWS notably restored
ZO-1 and
occludin expression, outperforming FS-PEWSD and FS-PEWSE, which only partially mitigated the LPS-induced damage. FS-PEWS further demonstrated potent immunomodulatory effects, upregulating anti-inflammatory
IL-10 and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as
IL-8 and
TNF-α. The activation of key receptors like
TLR-2 and
mTOR suggests that FS-PEWS modulates critical immune and metabolic pathways, such as
NF-kB signaling, to maintain immune homeostasis. Although mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was altered, no corresponding protein release was detected, suggesting potential post-transcriptional regulation.
Conclusions: FS-PEWS preserves intestinal barrier integrity and modulates immune responses, particularly in low-grade inflammation, highlighting the whole food matrix’s role in enhancing its bioactivity and functional food potential.
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