Pea protein hydrolysate as a factor modulating the adhesion of bacteria to enterocytes, epithelial proliferation and cytokine secretion - an in vitro study

Food proteins may release biologically active peptides in a consequence of enzymatic degradation. Such hydrolysates may affect the balance of intestinal bacteria and their adhesive potential. This study aimed at determining the impact of the pea protein extract and its pepsin hydrolysate on the adhesion of heterogeneous bacterial culture to Caco-2 cell line, and their impact on enterocytes as a function of proliferative and immunosecretive activity. The total number of immobilized bacteria was established with fluorescent marker DAPI, whereas their biodiversity was assessed with a FISH technique. Enterocytic proliferation was assessed with the BrdU test and a cytokine secretion was analyzed with the ELISA assay Obtained results demonstrated that the pea protein hydrolysate stimulated adhesion of Lactobacillus/Enterococcus and did not influence the adhesion of Escherichia The pea protein extract and its hydrolysate hindered mitotic division of Caco-2 cells as well as triggered a significant higher secretion of IL-8. Pea protein hydrolysate may therefore be considered as a potential modulator of bacterial adhesion and metabolic activity of enterocytes. Hence, it may impact the balance of gut microbiota as well as the maintenance and strengthening of the intestinal barrier In consequence, it may modulate a human health status.