Post-baccalaureate fellow NIAID, NIH, United States
Disclosure(s):
Ari Levine: No financial relationships to disclose
Introduction/Rationale: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immune-mediated disease characterized by esophageal dysfunction and eosinophilic inflammation. Worldwide EoE incidence and prevalence have increased substantially and coincide with increased global usage of dietary emulsifiers. We investigated the effects of polysorbate 80 (P80), a common emulsifier, on esophageal epithelial barrier function and inflammatory responses.
Methods: Immortalized esophageal epithelial cells (EPC2) were exposed to P80 concentrations ranging from 0.005% to 1%. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), paracellular-flux, and cytotoxicity were assessed. Phase contrast, histology, immunofluorescence, and RT-PCR were performed.
Results: EPC2 cells exposed to concentrations of P80 >0.05% demonstrated decreased TEER, increased paracellular flux, and cytotoxicity consistent with epithelial barrier disruption. Histology and phase contrast microscopy revealed increased intercellular spaces, cellular detachment, and membrane disruption. mRNA expression of TSLP and IL33 increased (2.1-fold, p< 0.01 and 4.2-fold, p< 0.01, respectively) after 6 hours of exposure.
Conclusion: P80 at concentrations as low as 0.05% impairs esophageal barrier integrity and induces pro-inflammatory responses. These findings suggest that dietary emulsifiers like P80 may contribute to EoE pathogenesis by compromising epithelial barrier function, potentially facilitating immune activation.
