Spermidine protects intestinal mucosal barrier function in mice colitis via the AhR/Nrf2 and AhR/STAT3 signaling pathways

Background Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation promotes intestinal barrier repair and enhances the gut mucosal barrier function in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Spermidine is beneficial in several murine models of IBD and may affect AhR activity. However, the precise effects of spermidine on the intestinal barrier and AhR remain unclear. This study was designed to investigate whether spermidine affects AhR and gut barrier function in IBD models as well as, its underlying mechanism. Methods We used dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)- and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced mice, as well as, Caco2 cells incubated with TNF-α and IFN-γ to establish multiple IBD models, followed by spermidine intervention. Alcian blue/Periodic acid–Schiff (AB/PAS) staining, Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran permeability assay, transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), tight junction protein (TJs) expression, and 16S rRNA scope in situ hybridization were performed to assess intestinal barrier function. AhR expression and the associated pathways were measured. AhR-targeted adeno-associated virus (AAV) and siRNA were used to explore the related molecular mechanisms. Results Spermidine significantly attenuated the increased intestinal permeability, decreased TER, abnormal distribution of TJs in colitis, and bacterial translocation from the gut tract. Additionally, it significantly increased AhR and Nrf2 expression and inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation. However, the protective effects of spermidine and the related alterations in pathway proteins were largely abolished by the specific inhibition of AhR. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that spermidine rescues intestinal barrier defects in mice with colitis via the AhR-Nrf2 and AhR-STAT3 pathways, providing a potential therapeutic agent for IBD and other conditions associated with dysregulated gut barrier function.

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