Zinc Supplementation Modifies Tight Junctions and Alters Barrier Function of CACO-2 Human Intestinal Epithelial Layers

Zinc deficiency is known to result in epithelial barrier leak in the GI tract. Precise effects of zinc on epithelial tight junctions (TJs) are only beginning to be described and understood. Along with nutritional regimens like methionine-restriction and compounds such as berberine, quercetin, indole, glutamine and rapamycin, zinc has the potential to function as a TJ modifier and selective enhancer of epithelial barrier function. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of zinc-supplementation on the TJs of a well-studied in vitro GI model, CACO-2 cells. Barrier function was assessed electrophysiologically by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (R-t), and radiochemically, by measuring transepithelial (paracellular) diffusion of C-14-D-mannitol and C-14-polyethyleneglycol. TJ composition was studied by Western immunoblot analyses of occludin, tricellulin and claudins-1 to -5 and -7. Fifty- and 100-mu M zinc concentrations (control medium is 2 mu M) significantly increase R-t but simultaneously increase paracellular leak to D-mannitol. Claudins 2 and 7 are downregulated in total cell lysates, while occludin, tricellulin and claudins-1, -3, -4 and -5 are unchanged. Claudins-2 and -7 as well as tricellulin exhibit decreased cytosolic content as a result of zinc supplementation. Zinc alters CACO-2 TJ composition and modifies TJ barrier function selectively. Zinc is one of a growing number of nutraceutical substances capable of enhancing epithelial barrier function, and may find use in countering TJ leakiness induced in various disease states.