Phloretin suppresses intestinal inflammation and maintained epithelial tight junction integrity by modulating cytokines secretion in in vitro model of gut inflammation

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease which in long run can lead to colorectal cancer (CRC). Chronic inflammation can be a key factor for the occurrence of CRC thus mitigating an inflammation can be a preventive strategy for the occurrence of CRC. In this study we have explored the anti-inflammatory potential of phloretin, in in vitro gut inflammation model, developed by co-culture of Caco2 (intestinal epithelial) cells and RAW264.7 macrophages (immune cells). Phloretin is a dihydrochalcone present in apple, pear and strawberries. An anti-inflammatory effect of phloretin in reducing LPS induced inflammation and maintenance of transepithelial electric resistance (TEER) in Caco2 cells was examined. Paracellular permeability assay was performed using Lucifer yellow dye to evaluate the effect of phloretin in inhibiting gut leakiness caused by inflammatory mediators secreted by activated macrophages. Phloretin attenuated LPS induced nitric oxide levels, oxidative stress, depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential in Caco2 cells as evidenced by reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS), and enhancement of MMP, and decrease in inflammatory cytokines IL8, TNFα, IL1β and IL6. It exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the expression of NFκB, iNOS and Cox2. Phloretin maintained the epithelial integrity by regulating the expression of tight junction proteins ZO1, occludin, Claudin1 and JAM. Phloretin reduced LPS induced levels of Cox2 along with the reduction in Src expression which further regulated an expression of tight junction protein occludin. Phloretin in combination to sodium pyruvate exhibited potential anti-inflammatory activity via targeting NFkB signaling. Our findings paved a way to position phloretin as nutraceutical in preventing the occurrence of colitis and culmination of disease into colitis associated colorectal cancer.