The luminal short-chain fatty acid butyrate modulates NF-kappaB activity in a human colonic epithelial cell line

Gastroenterology. 2000 Apr;118(4):724-34. doi: 10.1016/s0016-5085(00)70142-9.

Abstract

Background & aims: The transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) plays a central role in regulating immune and inflammatory responses. Because butyrate deficiency has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease, we examined the effect of butyrate on NF-kappaB activity in the human HT-29 colonic cell line.

Methods: The influence of butyrate (4 mmol/L) on NF-kappaB activity was determined using the gel mobility shift assay. The effect of butyrate on the expression of NF-kappaB subunits and inhibitory proteins was determined by immunoblotting. NF-kappaB-regulated gene expression was assayed by primer extension of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and Mn superoxide dismutase messenger RNA, and by analysis of a transfected luciferase reporter.

Results: Exposure of HT-29 cells to butyrate eliminated their constitutive NF-kappaB, p50 dimer activity. This inhibition corresponded with a reduction in p50 nuclear localization, without a reduction in expression. Butyrate also selectively modulated activation of NF-kappaB, suppressing its activation by tumor necrosis factor alpha and phorbol ester more than 10-fold, without affecting the activity induced by interleukin (IL)-1beta. Butyrate did, however, enhance formation of the stronger p65-p50 transcriptional activator in IL-1beta-stimulated cells. The changes in NF-kappaB activation did not correlate with changes in IkappaBalpha levels. Gene expression reflected DNA binding. The influence of butyrate on NF-kappaB may result in part from its ability to inhibit deacetylases because the specific deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A has a similar effect.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that the influences of butyrate on colonic inflammatory responses may result in part from its influence on NF-kappaB activation. This activity of butyrate apparently involves its ability to inhibit deacetylases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylation
  • Butyrates / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line
  • Colon / cytology
  • Colon / metabolism*
  • Cytokines / physiology
  • Dimerization
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Mucosa / cytology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / drug effects
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism*
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism*

Substances

  • Butyrates
  • Cytokines
  • NF-kappa B