Different changes in the expression of multiple kinds of tight-junction proteins during ischemia-reperfusion injury of the rat ileum

Dysfunction of tight junctions (TJs), located at the most apical part of the intestinal epithelium, is believed to result in various complications in intestinal disease. However, the behaviors of multiple kinds of TJ proteins during ischemia-reperfusion injury are not understood in detail. To determine changes in expression and localization of TJ proteins during intestinal-barrier recovery, we induced intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats, measured mucosa-to-blood permeability of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran-4 kDa, and compared it with spatiotemporal changes of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1, -2, -3, -4, and -5 by immunoconfocal microscopy. At 1 hour post-reperfusion, villi were denuded and intestinal-barrier function was lost. From 6 to 24 hours post-reperfusion, villous epithelium was restored by cell migration, and barrier function together with reticular pattern expression of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1, -3, and -5, recovered time-dependently. To the contrary, after ischemia-reperfusion injury, the localized expression of claudin-2 and claudin-4 observed in the non-treated control was lost and replaced with broader expression from crypts to villi with increased basolateral claudin-4 expression in epithelial cells. These data demonstrated that recovery of intestinal barrier function is associated with expression of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1, -3, and -5, whereas claudin-2 and claudin-4 show unique changes in expression and localization.     

Neutrophil Transmigration in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is Associated with Differential Expression of Epithelial Intercellular Junction Proteins

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) consisting of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's (CD) typically displays a waxing and waning course punctuated by disease flares that are characterized by transepithelial migration of neutrophils (PMN) and altered barrier function. Since epithelial barrier function is primarily regulated by the apical most intercellular junction referred to as the tight junction (TJ), our aim was to examine expression of TJ and adherens junction (AJ) proteins in relation to PMN infiltration in mucosal tissue samples from patients with active IBD. Expression of epithelial intercellular TJ proteins (occludin, ZO-1, claudin-1, and JAM) and subjacent AJ (beta-catenin and E-cadherin) proteins were examined by immunoflourescence/confocal microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. Colonic mucosa from patients with UC revealed dramatic, global down-regulation of the key TJ transmembrane protein occludin in regions of actively transmigrating PMN and in quiescent areas in the biopsy samples. Significant decreases in occludin expression were observed at the protein and mRNA levels by Western and Northern blotting. In contrast, expression of other TJ and AJ proteins such as ZO-1, claudin-1, JAM, beta-catenin, and E-cadherin were down-regulated only in epithelial cells immediately adjacent to transmigrating PMN. Analysis of inflamed mucosa from Crohn's disease patients mirrored the results obtained with UC patients. No change in TJ and AJ protein expression was observed in colonic epithelium from patients with collagenous colitis or lymphocytic colitis that are respectively characterized by a thickened subepithelial collagen plate and increased intraepithelial lymphocytes. These results suggest that occludin expression is diminished in IBD by mechanisms distinct from those regulating expression of other intercellular junction proteins. We speculate that down-regulation of epithelial occludin may play a role in enhanced paracellular permeability and PMN transmigration that is observed in active inflammatory bowel disease.     

Heterogeneity of claudin expression by alveolar epithelial cells

Claudins are proteins that participate in epithelial barrier function and regulate paracellular permeability. By immunohistochemistry of adult rat lung sections, claudin-3, claudin-4, and claudin-5 were found to be co-expressed by type II alveolar epithelial cells. Claudin-3 and claudin-4 were also co-expressed by some alveolar epithelial cells adjacent to type II cells. In contrast, claudin-5 was expressed throughout the alveolus. Isolated primary rat alveolar epithelial cells in culture also expressed claudin-3, claudin-4, and claudin-5, but showed little claudin-1 and claudin-2 expression. Claudin expression by isolated cells at both the mRNA and protein level varied with time in culture. In particular, claudin-3 and claudin-5 co-localized and were distributed around the alveolar cell periphery, but claudin-4 expression was heterogeneous. We also found that paracellular permeability was increased when cultured alveolar epithelial cells were treated with a fatty acid amide, methanandamide. Methanandamide did not alter cell viability. Claudin-3, claudin-4, claudin-5, occludin, and zona occludens 1 remained localized to cell-cell contact sites at the plasma membrane in methanandamide-treated cells, suggesting that plasma membrane localization of these junction proteins is not sufficient for maintaining barrier function. However, methanandamide-treated cells showed a 12-fold increase in claudin-5 expression and a 2- to 3-fold increase in claudin-3, consistent with the notion that specific changes in claudin expression levels may correlate with changes in alveolar epithelial barrier function.     

Alterations of the blood-brain barrier in cerebral white matter lesions in the ageing brain

White matter lesions (WML) are associated with dementia and are common in brain ageing. In order to determine whether alteration of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) may contribute to the pathogenesis of WML we assessed albumin leakage and expression of the tight junction (TJ) proteins claudin-5 (Cln-5), zona occludin-1 (ZO-1) and occludin in cases derived from the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study. Albumin extravasation was widespread in the ageing brain and enhanced in WML, suggesting dysfunction of the BBB may contribute to the pathogenesis of WML. This was not accompanied by significant changes in the endothelial expression of TJ proteins. However, ZO-1 and occludin were expressed by glial cells throughout the parenchyma of both control white matter and WML, suggesting these TJ proteins may have other functions in the brain.     

Comparative tight junction protein expressions in colonic Crohn’s disease,ulcerative colitis,and tuberculosis: a new perspective

We intended to see the pattern of TJ protein expression along with ultrastructural changes in colonic biopsies from patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and tuberculosis (cTB). Colonic biopsies from 11 patients with active CD and ten patients each with active UC and untreated cTB were taken along with biopsies from six patients with irritable bowel syndrome as controls. These were evaluated for expression pattern of key TJ proteins which included claudin-2 as TJ pore-forming protein, claudin-4 as pore-sealing protein, ZO-1 as scaffold protein, and occludin as TJ protein related to cell migration and polarity. Claudin-2 expression was upregulated along the whole length of intercellular junction (ICJ) in biopsies from patients with active CD and UC in comparison to the biopsies from cTB patients and controls, where its expression was limited to the uppermost part of ICJ. There was reduced expression of ZO-1 in UC, CD, and cTB. On transmission electron microscopic examination, the pentalaminar structure of TJs was destroyed in patients with CD and UC but no significant change was seen in those with cTB and in controls. The expression of claudin-2 was distinctly different in active CD and UC in comparison to its expression pattern in patients with cTB and in controls. The redistribution of claudin-2 expression was in accordance with the TJ ultrastructural changes in patients with UC, CD, and cTB. Altered claudin-2 expression, along with destroyed TJs, may result in loss of selective permeability in patients with UC and CD.     

A key claudin extracellular loop domain is critical for epithelial barrier integrity

Intercellular tight junctions (TJs) regulate epithelial barrier properties. Claudins are major structural constituents of TJs and belong to a large family of tetra-spanning membrane proteins that have two predicted extracellular loops (ELs). Given that claudin-1 is widely expressed in epithelia, we further defined the role of its EL domains in determining TJ function. The effects of several claudin-1 EL mimetic peptides on epithelial barrier structure and function were examined. Incubation of model human intestinal epithelial cells with a 27-amino acid peptide corresponding to a portion of the first EL domain (Cldn-1(53-80)) reversibly interfered with epithelial barrier function by inducing the rearrangement of key TJ proteins: occludin, claudin-1, junctional adhesion molecule-A, and zonula occludens-1. Cldn-1(53-80) associated with both claudin-1 and occludin, suggesting both the direct interference with the ability of these proteins to assemble into functional TJs and their close interaction under physiological conditions. These effects were specific for Cldn-1(53-80), because peptides corresponding to other claudin-1 EL domains failed to influence TJ function. Furthermore, the oral administration of Cldn-1(53-80) to rats increased paracellular gastric permeability. Thus, the identification of a critical claudin-1 EL motif, Cldn-1(53-80), capable of regulating TJ structure and function, offers a useful adjunct to treatments that require drug delivery across an epithelial barrier.     

Inhibition of protein kinase C attenuates Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase-induced epithelial barrier disruption

Pseudomonas aeruginosa pulmonary infection compromises the human airway epithelium, and can be especially devastating to immunocompromised or debilitated individuals. We have reported earlier that P. aeruginosa elastase (PE) increases paracellular permeability in epithelial cell monolayers by mechanisms involving tight junction (TJ) disruption and cytoskeletal reorganization, leading to destruction of epithelial barrier function. The aim of this study was to investigate putative TJ targets and potential mechanisms by which PE induces barrier disruption. We found that PE decreased localization of TJ proteins, occludin and zonula occludens (ZO)-1, in membrane fractions, and induced reorganization of F-actin within 1 hour. Although inhibition of protein kinase (PK) C α/β signaling modestly altered the extent of cytoskeletal disruption and ZO-1 translocation, we found PKC signaling to play a significant role in decreased occludin functionality during PE exposure. Furthermore, elevated PKC levels correlated with decreased levels of TJ proteins in membrane fractions, and increased paracellular permeability in a time-dependent manner. Therefore, we conclude that PKC signaling is involved during PE-induced epithelial barrier disruption via TJ translocation and cytoskeletal reorganization. Specifically, occludin, as well as associated ZO-1 and F-actin, may be early targets of PE pathogenesis occurring via a PKC-dependent pathway.     

Tight junction composition is altered in the epithelium of polycystic kidneys

Kidney cysts in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) undergo progressive enlargement together with luminal fluid secretion. This involves active, uphill transcellular Cl(-) transport which drives passive Na(+) and water secretion. Implicit in this mechanism is the assumption that the paracellular permeability of the cyst epithelium to Cl(-) must be very low. Claudins are tight junction (TJ) transmembrane proteins that determine the ion selectivity of paracellular barriers. The aim of this study was to determine the expression and localization of claudins within renal cysts in a mouse hypomorphic model of ADPKD and in human patients. We found that the majority of cysts were of collecting duct origin. Claudins normally expressed in collecting duct (3, 4, 7, 8, and 10) were found in small cysts. However, only claudin-7 persisted at substantive levels in the dedifferentiated epithelium of large, presumably late-stage cysts, where it was localized both at the TJ and basolaterally. The constitutively expressed TJ proteins, ZO-1 and occludin, were also abundantly expressed and correctly localized, suggesting that the basic infrastructure of the TJ is preserved. A previous study suggested that claudin-7 may function as a paracellular Cl(-) barrier. We postulate that the role of claudin-7 in ADPKD is to seal the paracellular route in Cl(-)-secreting cyst epithelium, preventing backleak of Cl(-), and that it thereby plays a permissive role in fluid secretion and cyst growth.     

帕金森病模型大鼠十二指肠黏膜紧密连接蛋白表达下调

目的研究紧密连接蛋白在6-羟多巴(6-OHDA)制备的帕金森病(PD)大鼠模型十二指肠黏膜的表达变化。方法用6-OHDA损毁双侧中枢黑质多巴胺能神经元建立大鼠模型。用免疫荧光组织化学和蛋白免疫印迹检测紧密连接蛋白claudin-1、occludin和ZO-1肠黏膜的定位和表达。结果紧密连接蛋白claudin-1、occludin和ZO-1在PD大鼠模型十二指肠黏膜上均有表达,但仅ZO-1(P0.001)和occludin(P0.01)表达明显下调,而claudin-1无显著变化。结论 PD大鼠模型十二指肠黏膜紧密连接蛋白ZO-1、occludin的表达显著下调,可能与帕金森病十二指肠溃疡的发生发展相关。     

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli changes distribution of occludin and ZO-1 in tight junction membrane microdomains in vivo

Diarrhea is a disease caused by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) infection, which caused the deaths of several hundred thousand children each year. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying EPEC infection in vivo are not fully understood. In the present study, we used the C57BL/6J mouse as an in vivo model of EPEC infection and investigated the effect of EPEC on tight junction (TJ) structure and barrier function. TJ ultrastructure was studied by transmission electron microscopy and a small molecule tracer biotin was used to examine the paracellular permeability of the colon. The distribution of TJ proteins occludin and ZO-1 in the epithelium was investigated by immunofluorescence microscopy. Our results demonstrated that TJ structure was disrupted following EPEC infection. And the morphological changes of TJ were accompanied by increased paracellular permeability which led to impairment of TJ barrier function. Immunofluorescency analysis revealed that occludin and ZO-1 were translocated from villous membrane to the cytoplasm in intestinal epithelial cells during EPEC invasion. Moreover, wild-type EPEC and the mutant EPEC strain, ΔespF, had similar effects on barrier function and TJ protein localization at 5 days postinfection. Our findings demonstrate that EPEC infection in vivo led to disruption of tight junction barrier function. These results may provide insights into the molecular mechanism of the pathogenesis of EPEC infection.     

Tight junctions in differentiating ameloblasts and odontoblasts differentially express ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 in early odontogenesis of rat molars

Little is known about the expression of associated proteins during the assembly of tight junctions (TJs). We studied the distribution of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 between differentiating ameloblasts and odontoblasts in molar tooth germs from 1- to 3-day-old rats by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Immunoreactivity for ZO-1 was strong at proximal and distal junctional complexes of differentiating ameloblasts, while it was weak and punctuate at the distal region of differentiating odontoblasts. Occludin was immunoreactive at distal and proximal complexes of early differentiating ameloblasts and at distal regions of differentiating odontoblasts. However, in more advanced stages, occludin was only evident at the proximal complex of ameloblasts. Claudin-1 was strongly detected at the proximal complex but it was weak at distal complex of late differentiating ameloblasts. Thus, our results showed that ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 are differentially expressed as TJs assemble for regulating polarity and/or paracellular permeability in differentiating ameloblasts and odontoblasts.     

Tissue-specific expression of the tight junction proteins claudins and occludin in the rat salivary glands

Tight junctions (TJs) are essential features of endothelial barrier membranes and of fluid-secreting epithelial cells, such as in the salivary glands. Novel integral membrane proteins have been identified as components of TJs, namely claudins and occludin. The aim of the present study was to determine the distribution of occludin and claudins in the large salivary glands of the rat. The parotid, submandibular and sublingual salivary glands were harvested from adult Sprague-Dawley rats and cryostat sections were stained using immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescence methods. Claudin-1 was expressed in endothelial cells of microvessels and in short selected segments of the duct system. Claudin-3 was expressed principally in the acinar cells and intercalated ducts, while claudin-4 was principally expressed by the striated and interlobular ducts. Claudin-5 was specific to endothelial cells of microvessels. Occludin was ubiquitously detected in the duct system. Double labelling and confocal microscopy showed some co-localization of claudin-3 with claudin-4, and minimal co-localization of occludin with claudin-4, in the striated ducts. Claudin 2 was not detected in any of the salivary glands. The results indicate specificity of the chemical composition of tight junctions in the rat salivary glands, and may reflect different physiological roles for TJs in the glandular and duct epithelial cells, and in endothelial cells of salivary gland microvessels.     

Claudin-4 levels are associated with intact alveolar fluid clearance in human lungs

The removal of edema from the air spaces is a critical function of the alveolar barrier requiring intact tight junctions. Alveolar fluid clearance contributes to graft function after transplantation and is associated with survival in patients with acute lung injury. Claudin-4 concentrations are known to increase during lung injury and the loss of claudin-4 decreases alveolar fluid clearance in mice. This study was therefore undertaken to evaluate whether differences in lung expression of the tight junction protein claudin-4 are associated with alveolar fluid clearance or clinical measures of lung function. Alveolar fluid clearance rates were measured in ex vivo perfused human lungs not used for transplantation and were compared with histological lung injury and clinical measures of lung injury in the donors. Claudin-4 staining demonstrated a positive correlation with alveolar fluid clearance (Spearman rank correlation [r(s)] = 0.71; P < 0.003); however, claudin-4 staining was not strongly associated with histological measures of lung injury. The expression of other tight junction proteins (including ZO-1) was not associated with alveolar fluid clearance or claudin-4 levels. Claudin-4 staining was lower in lungs from donors with greater impairment in respiratory physiology. These data suggest that claudin-4 may promote alveolar fluid clearance and demonstrate that the amount of claudin-4 expressed may provide specific information regarding alveolar epithelial barrier function that strengthens the link between histological changes and physiological impairment.     

过表达miR-34a增加血肿瘤屏障通透性机制的研究

目的探讨过表达miR-34a增加血肿瘤屏障通透性的机制。方法将miR-34a模拟物转染至培养的人脑微血管内皮细胞NKIM-6,采用实时荧光定量PCR方法检测miR-34a的表达。用miR-34a模拟物转染的NKIM-6细胞和U87胶质瘤细胞建立体外血肿瘤屏障模型,跨内皮电阻测量系统检测血肿瘤屏障跨内皮阻抗值的变化;western blot和免疫荧光法检测体外血肿瘤屏障NKIM-6细胞中,紧密连接相关蛋白ZO-1和claudin-5的表达。结果经miR-34a模拟物转染后,NKIM-6细胞中miR-34a的表达水平显著升高;血肿瘤屏障跨内皮阻抗值显著下降;体外血肿瘤屏障NKIM-6细胞中紧密连接相关蛋白ZO-1和claudin-5的表达水平分别显著降低,在细胞膜上呈不连续分布。结论过表达miR-34a显著增加血肿瘤屏障的通透性,其机制之一可能与降低紧密连接相关蛋白相关。     

Amyloid beta-peptide1-42 alters tight junction protein distribution and expression in brain microvessel endothelial cells

Alzheimer's disease is characterised by neuronal loss, numerous intraneuronal deposits of neurofibrillary tangles, senile plaques, and cerebrovascular amyloid deposits. The major component of senile plaques and cerebrovascular deposits is the 39-43 amino acid beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta). The effects of Abeta on cerebral endothelium and thus the blood-brain barrier remain unclear. Utilising endothelial cells isolated from rat cerebral cortex microvessels, we have examined effects of Abeta peptides on tight junction protein behaviour. The transmembrane tight junction proteins occludin, claudin-1 and claudin-5, as well as the cytoplasmic accessory proteins ZO-1 and ZO-2 displayed a continuous distribution at cell boundaries. Endothelial cells exposed to Abeta1-42 (20 microM) for 3 days showed a disrupted plasma membrane pattern of claudin-5 and ZO-2 with relocation to the cytoplasm. These effects were not seen with Abeta25-35 or Abeta1-40[Gln22] (Dutch type). Abeta1-42 treatment altered also protein expression: occludin was lower at 1st day, claudin-1 increased at all times, and ZO-2 increased after 1 day and then decreased. These data suggest that Abeta1-42 effects on tight junction protein complexes may alter blood-brain barrier integrity and contribute to the neuropathological sequelae of Alzheimer's disease.     

Aberrant expression of tight junction-related proteins ZO-1, claudin-1 and occludin in synovial sarcoma: an immunohistochemical study with ultrastructural correlation.

Synovial sarcoma demonstrates epithelial differentiation, either by light microscopy (biphasic synovial sarcoma) or by immunohistochemical/ultrastructural methods only (monophasic) and poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma. Although the glands of synovial sarcoma are known to have tight junction-like structures, far less is known about junction formation in the spindled component of synovial sarcomas. Additionally, it is unknown whether the tight junctions of synovial sarcoma are normally constituted. The tight junction is a multiprotein complex consisting of numerous proteins that include ZO-1, claudin-1 and occludin. A total of 35 cases of synovial sarcoma (13 biphasic, 14 monophasic and eight poorly differentiated) were immunostained for ZO-1, claudin-1 and occludin using commercially available antibodies, heat-induced epitope retrieval and standard avidin-biotin technique. When available, corresponding electron micrographs were reviewed. For five cases, the presence of either an SYT-SSX1 (three cases) or SYT-SSX2 (two cases) gene fusion was known. Positive cases showed particulate membrane staining. The glands of biphasic synovial sarcomas expressed ZO-1 (13/13), claudin-1 (12/13) and occludin (11/13) in a manner identical to normal glandular epithelia, at the apical portion of the lateral membrane. The spindle cells of biphasic synovial sarcomas showed abnormal circumferential membranous expression of ZO-1 (12/13), claudin-1 (6/13) and occludin (3/13). Monophasic synovial sarcomas expressed ZO-1 in a circumferential pattern (13/14) but less often claudin-1 (4/14) or occludin (3/14). Poorly differentiated synovial sarcomas expressed ZO-1 (8/8) and claudin-1 (6/8) but only rarely occludin (2/8). By electron microscopy, recognizable tight junctions were seen only in glands. No correlation was seen between histologic subtype or fusion type and expression of tight junction proteins. We conclude that the glands of biphasic synovial sarcomas show well-organized, true epithelial tight junctions. In contrast, the spindled cells of all synovial sarcomas show significant abnormalities in the expression and localization of tight junction proteins, suggesting partial and/or aberrant epithelial differentiation.     

Are alterations of tight junctions at molecular and ultrastructural level different in duodenal biopsies of patients with celiac disease and Crohn's disease?

Abnormalities of transmembrane and cytoplasmic proteins of tight junctions (TJ) have been implicated in pathogenesis of both celiac (CeD) and Crohn’s diseases (CD). Since disease pathogenesis in CeD and CD are different, we planned to study if there is any differential expression pattern of TJ marker proteins and ultrastructural changes, respectively, in duodenal villi vs crypts. Endoscopic duodenal biopsies from treatment naïve patients with CeD (n?=?24), active CD (n?=?28), and functional dyspepsia (as controls, n?=?15), both at baseline and 6 months after treatment, were subjected to light microscopic analysis (modified Marsh grading); immune-histochemical staining and Western blot analysis to see the expression of key TJ proteins [trans-membrane proteins (claudin-2, claudin-3, claudin-4, occludin, and JAM) and cytoplasmic protein (ZO-1)]. Transmission electron microscopy and image analysis of the TJs were also performed. There was significant overexpression of claudin-2 (pore-forming) and occludin (protein maintaining cell polarity) with under-expression of claudin-3 and claudin-4 (pore-sealing proteins) in treatment naïve CeD and active CD with simultaneous alteration in ultrastructure of TJs such as loss of penta-laminar structure and TJ dilatation. Normalization of some of these TJ proteins was noted 6 months after treatment. These changes were not disease specific and were not different in duodenal villi and crypts. Overexpression of pore-forming and under-expression of pore-sealing TJ proteins lead to dilatation of TJ. These changes are neither disease specific nor site specific and the end result of mucosal inflammation.     

In vitro effects of velvet antler water extracts from Formosan Sambar deer and red deer on barrier integrity in Caco-2 cell

Background: The mucus integrity and abnormal inflammatory response are the crucial biomarker of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Velvet antler (VA) has been used as traditional Chinese medicines for many years. Anti-inflammatory property was demonstrated via suppression of cyclooxygenase-2 and cytokines protein expression. And it has further proved to promote wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats model. The aforementioned functionalities of VA extracts may be associated with the treatment of IBD. Thus, the aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of velvet antler water extracts form Formosan Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor swinhoei, SVAE) and red deer (Cervus elaphus, RVAE) on the barrier function and to investigate the possible mechanism using in vitro model.Methods: Human colonic epithelial cell models (Caco-2) were co-cultured with various concentrations of both SVAE and RVAE (250-500 µg mL^-1) in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model. Trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) value and the macromolecule permeability of Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled dextran were measured to evaluate the integrity of monolayer of Caco-2. Western blotting was performed for analysis of protein expressions of occludin, Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), claudin-1, claudin-2 and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). The cytotoxicity was conducted by MTT assay.Results: Results indicated that both SVAE and RVAE could enhance integrity of monolayer in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colonic epithelial cell model (Caco-2) through reducing the decline of trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and macromolecule permeability at the concentration of 250 μg mL^-1. RVAE significantly increased the expression of tight junction proteins (occludin and ZO-1) while SVAE significantly reduced the activity of MLCK (P < 0.05.). Elevated C-C chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) production suggested that both SVAE and RVAE could enhance the repair of epithelial cell. Besides, MTT assay revealed that both extracts showed no cytotoxicity.Conclusion: Thus, SVAE and RVAE supplementation may attenuate barrier damage by enhancing the occludin and ZO-1 protein expression, decreasing MLCK expression, promoting the CCL20 production. In the future, animal study is needed for further confirmation.