DDW 2017. Mo1652. IMPACT OF PROINFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES AND MESALAMINE ON THE EXPRESSION OF THE TIGHT JUNCTION PROTEIN CLAUDIN-1 IN INTESTINAL EPITHELIAL CELLS

Results: IFN and IL-13 had no effect on claudin-1 expression whereas stimulation of intestinal epithelial cells with IL-1, IL-6, TNF and a combination of IFN with TNF induced a dose- and time-dependent increase in claudin-1 expression. Concurrent treatment with mesalamine applied from the apical side of the monolayer partially prevented increased claudin-1 expression induced by proinflammatory cytokines. Data on the subcellular localization of claudin-1 and activation of key signaling pathways are currently under investigation and will be presented at the meeting.

Conclusions: Our results identify proinflammatory cytokines controlling claudin-1 expression in intestinal epithelial cells. The ability of mesalamine to counteract claudin-1 upregulation by these cytokines might provide a molecular basis for its suggested role as a chemo preventive agent in IBD-associated colorectal cancer.

CARE™ Faculty Perspective: This interesting study provides more fodder for the longstanding debate about the direct chemopreventive effects of 5-ASA.