Development of an in vitro triculture model of intestine inflammation to assess the immunomodulatory properties of cassava and roselle, two African green leafy vegetables

• Published in: NFS journal Vol. 38; p. 100213
• Main Authors: Fioroni, Nelly, Ponce de León Rodríguez, Maria Del Carmen, Leconte, Nicolas, Mouquet-Rivier, Claire, Guzman, Caroline, Boudard, Frédéric, Dhuique-Mayer, Claudie, Collin, Myriam, Deglos, Anaïs, Reboul, Emmanuelle, Bravo-Núñez, Ángela, Laurent-Babot, Caroline
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier GmbH 01.03.2025; Elsevier
• Subjects: adenocarcinoma; Caco-2/HT29 biculture; cassava; Cytokines; Hibiscus sabdariffa; In vitro digestion; inflammation; Intestinal permeability; intestines; Leaf extract; Life Sciences; mucus; nutrient uptake; permeability; Sub-Saharan Africa; THP-1 macrophages; Sub-Saharan Africa; Caco-2/HT29 biculture; In vitro digestion; Cytokines; THP-1 macrophages; Leaf extract; Intestinal permeability
• ISSN: 2352-3646; 2352-3646
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nfs.2025.100213

The intestine integrity and function are crucial for nutrient absorption and to prevent the entry of harmful antigens. In sub-Saharan Africa, frequent infections and enteric dysfunction can cause intestinal inflammation that is associated with stunting. Therefore, to study the anti-inflammatory effects of cassava and roselle leaves, commonly consumed as sauces, we developed an in vitro triculture model of intestine inflammation using intestinal Caco-2 (colorectal adenocarcinoma) and HT29-MTX (goblet cell-like) together with the macrophage-like THP-1 cells. Stimulation of this model with lipopolysaccharide/interferon-γ resulted in mucus over-production, higher pro-inflammatory cytokine release and loss of intestinal barrier integrity due to increased permeability. Polar/non-polar extracts and digested sauces from cassava and roselle leaves reduced cytokine production in both intestinal and THP-1 cells to different extents and restored barrier integrity and permeability. The developed and validated triculture model of inflamed intestine thus demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of cassava and roselle leaves, despite moderate responses. [Display omitted]