Metformin regulates tight junction of intestinal epithelial cells via MLCK-MLC signaling pathway

H.-Y. Zhou, H. Zhu, X.-M. Yao, J.-P. Qian, J. Yang, X.-D. Pan, X.-D. Chen

Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Wujiang Hospital Of Nantong University, Suzhou, China. 393288656@qq.com

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• Pharmacology

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of metformin on the tight junction of intestinal epithelial cells and its relevant mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Caco-2 cell monolayers were incubated with or without tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (10 ng/mL) in the absence or presence of indicated concentrations of metformin. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was measured at various time points. Caco-2 cell permeability was assessed using fluorescein permeability test. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the distribution of tight junction protein. Western blotting and Real-Time PCR were used to detect the expression of tight junction protein and Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK)-Myosin light chain (MLC) signaling pathway.

RESULTS: Metformin attenuates the effects of TNF-α on Caco-2 cell TEER and paracellular permeability, prevents TNF-α-induced morphological disruption of tight junctions, ameliorates the inhibiting effect of TNF-α on epithelial tight junction-related protein expression and suppresses the TNF-α-induced increase in MLCK production.

CONCLUSIONS: Metformin can stabilize and up-regulate tight junction protein by inhibiting MLCK-MLC signaling pathway, thus ameliorating the tight junction of intestinal epithelial cells.

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