* Soluble plantain fibre blocks epithelial adhesion and M-cell translocation of intestinal pathogens

Abstract

Introduction Dietary fi bres may have prebiotic effects mediated by promotion of probiotic bacteria. This study explores the possibility that they may also improve health by inhibiting epithelial adhesion and translocation by pathogenic bacteria. We have focussed on soluble non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) from plantain bananas (Musa spp) since previous studies had shown that this is particularly effective at blocking Escherichia coli epithelial adherence. Methods The ability of plantain NSP to inhibit epithelial cell adhesion and invasion of various bacterial pathogens, their translocation through microfold (M)-cell monolayers (generated by co-culture of Caco2-cl1 cells and Raji B cells) and human Peyer's patches mounted in Ussing chambers has been assessed. Results Plantain NSP showed dose-related inhibition of epithelial adhesion and M-cell translocation by a range of gut pathogens. Plantain NSP at 5 mg/ml, a concentration readily achievable in the human gut lumen, inhibited adhesion to Caco2 cells of Clostridium diffi cile (67.6±12.3%, p<0.001 ANOVA), Salmonella typhimurium (85.0±8.2%, p<0.01), Shigella sonnei (46.6±29.3%, p<0.01) and ETEC (56.1±23.67%, p<0.05) but did not inhibit EPEC adhesion. Plantain NSP (5 mg/ml) also inhibited invasion of Caco2 cells by Salmonella (80.2±9.7%) and Shigella (46.7±13.4%; both p<0.01). Blockade of adherence and invasion to Caco 2 cells by plantain NSP was also confi rmed by Giemsa stain and light microscopy. Plantain NSP, at 5 mg/ml, also inhibited translocation of Salmonella and Shigella across M-cells by 46% and 73% respectively (both P<0.01). Similarly, blockade of Salmonella translocation across follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) of human ileal Peyer's patches was observed with 5 mg/ml plantain NSP (p<0.01; N=3). Conclusion Soluble plant fi bre from plantain bananas inhibits invasion and adhesion of pathogenic bacteria to Caco2 cells, and their translocation across M-cells of the FAE. This represents a novel mechanism by which soluble dietary fi bres could promote intestinal health and prevent infective diarrhoea.

Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Medicinal Plants Used by the Tenggerese Society in Java Island of Indonesia

“…Many medicinal plants were traditionally used for treating diarrhoea, e.g., the sap of Musa paradisiaca L. This plant was reported to possess anti-diarrheal activity in an animal model study [115]. The soluble plantain fibre of banana was also reported to prevent diarrhoea by blocking epithelial adhesion and M-cell translocation of intestinal pathogens [116]. A clinical study on children with acute watery diarrhoea who received green cooked banana supplement indicated a significant recovery of their health [117].…”

Review article: the impact of diet on ileoanal pouch function and on the pathogenesis of pouchitis

“…Omega‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids may serve as a source for proinflammatory mediators (arachidonic acid) whereas omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may serve as sources for anti‐inflammatory mediators 99,100 . Fibres have had both pro and anti‐inflammatory effects 101‐105 . Micronutrients such as zinc, vitamin D and polyphenols are involved in maintaining mucosal barrier function, strengthening innate immunity and regulating the adaptive immune system 106‐108 .…”