The effect of chitosan and other polycations on tight junction permeability in the human intestinal Caco-2 cell line

摘要: Chitosan is a polycationic compound widely employed as dietary supplement and also present in pharmaceutical preparations. Although it has been approved for human consumption, its possible side effects have not investigated the available data literature are still controversial. Several substances shown to affect tight junction permeability epithelial cell models vitro. In this study we compared of chitosan other polycations (polyethylenimine, poly-L-lysines different molecular weights) on integrity junctions actin cytoskeleton intestinal Caco-2 line. We measured trans-epithelial electrical resistance paracellular passage extracellular marker inulin, localized F-actin junctional proteins (ZO1 occludin) monolayers treated with various concentrations each polycation. Fluorescent were determine their association monolayer. Our results indicate that all able induce reversible increase permeability. This effect concentration energy dependent, affected by divalent cations (calcium, magnesium manganese) associated morphological changes cytoskeleton, well localization proteins. Chitosan, particular, was only cationic polymer displayed an irreversible at highest tested (0.01%). These oral ingestion may more widespread health altering barrier function, thus allowing entrance into circulation potentially toxic and/or allergenic substances.