Skip to main content

LUP Student Papers

LUND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Evaluation of preventive effects of bioactive food compounds against oxidative stress and intestinal inflammation. Study in human reconstructed intestinal 3D tissue model.

Reynisson, Bodvar Tandri LU (2025) KLTM02 20251
Food Technology and Nutrition (M.Sc.)
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of induced oxidative stress and inflammation on intestinal mucosal barrier function with specific objective to investigate counteracting potential of the proteolytic enzymes such as bromelain and papain using reconstructed human small intestinal 3D tissue model (SMI-100). Four physiological conditions were modeled: healthy conditions (intact, n=12), inflamed (IL-6 treated, n=24), with or without induced oxidative stress (n=12). Prior to experiments with intestinal tissue model, the DPPH and ABTS assays were performed to determine radical scavenging capacity of bromelain and papain proteases in relation to their proteolytic activity, assessed via casein hydrolysis. Functional effects on epithelial barrier... (More)
This study investigated the effects of induced oxidative stress and inflammation on intestinal mucosal barrier function with specific objective to investigate counteracting potential of the proteolytic enzymes such as bromelain and papain using reconstructed human small intestinal 3D tissue model (SMI-100). Four physiological conditions were modeled: healthy conditions (intact, n=12), inflamed (IL-6 treated, n=24), with or without induced oxidative stress (n=12). Prior to experiments with intestinal tissue model, the DPPH and ABTS assays were performed to determine radical scavenging capacity of bromelain and papain proteases in relation to their proteolytic activity, assessed via casein hydrolysis. Functional effects on epithelial barrier integrity and oxidative status were evaluated using transepithelial electrical resistance, Lucifer Yellow permeability and a CellROX DeepRed probe as an oxidative stress detector. Cell viability after treatments was assessed with an MTT assay.

Papain exhibited consistently high antioxidant activity and enzymatic efficiency in the same concentration, while bromelain showed more prominent effects on intestinal mucosa as observed in the SMI-100 tissue model. Bromelain in dose of 1 mg/ml significantly reduced (p < 0,05) intracellular oxidative stress in IL-6-treated tissues, suggesting a context dependent antioxidant effect under inflammatory conditions. This concentration of bromelain also significantly increased epithelial permeability in IL-6-treated tissues. Bromelain demonstrated counteracting effects of induced oxidative stress in IL-6 treated intestinal mucosa (p < 0,01). No significant changes in TEER or cell viability were observed between treatments and experimental conditions.
These findings emphasize the importance of studying bioactive compounds like fruit enzymes bromelain and papain under multiple stress conditions to better understand their therapeutic potential and safety in intestinal health. (Less)
Popular Abstract
Bromelain and papain are natural enzymes found in pineapple and papaya, commonly used in health supplements for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, we explored how these enzymes influence inflammation and/or oxidative stress in a model simulating the human small intestine. Using a combination of chemical tests and live-cell experiments, we compared how bromelain and papain can affect human cells under healthy, oxidatively stressed and inflamed conditions.

Papain demonstrated strong antioxidant properties and high enzyme activity, suggesting potential for reducing harmful free radicals. Bromelain exhibited noticeable antioxidant effects when inflammation was already present, suggesting that its benefits may... (More)
Bromelain and papain are natural enzymes found in pineapple and papaya, commonly used in health supplements for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, we explored how these enzymes influence inflammation and/or oxidative stress in a model simulating the human small intestine. Using a combination of chemical tests and live-cell experiments, we compared how bromelain and papain can affect human cells under healthy, oxidatively stressed and inflamed conditions.

Papain demonstrated strong antioxidant properties and high enzyme activity, suggesting potential for reducing harmful free radicals. Bromelain exhibited noticeable antioxidant effects when inflammation was already present, suggesting that its benefits may depend on the state of the tissue. However, in inflamed tissues, bromelain also appeared to weaken intestinal barrier properties, which could be a concern if not carefully dosed or timed.

These findings highlight that while natural enzymes such as bromelain and papain can offer health benefits, their effects may vary depending on the biological context. Understanding these differences is essential for developing safer and more effective supplements or treatments based on natural bioactive compounds. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
@misc{9194225,
  abstract     = {{This study investigated the effects of induced oxidative stress and inflammation on intestinal mucosal barrier function with specific objective to investigate counteracting potential of the proteolytic enzymes such as bromelain and papain using reconstructed human small intestinal 3D tissue model (SMI-100). Four physiological conditions were modeled: healthy conditions (intact, n=12), inflamed (IL-6 treated, n=24), with or without induced oxidative stress (n=12). Prior to experiments with intestinal tissue model, the DPPH and ABTS assays were performed to determine radical scavenging capacity of bromelain and papain proteases in relation to their proteolytic activity, assessed via casein hydrolysis. Functional effects on epithelial barrier integrity and oxidative status were evaluated using transepithelial electrical resistance, Lucifer Yellow permeability and a CellROX DeepRed probe as an oxidative stress detector. Cell viability after treatments was assessed with an MTT assay.

Papain exhibited consistently high antioxidant activity and enzymatic efficiency in the same concentration, while bromelain showed more prominent effects on intestinal mucosa as observed in the SMI-100 tissue model. Bromelain in dose of 1 mg/ml significantly reduced (p < 0,05) intracellular oxidative stress in IL-6-treated tissues, suggesting a context dependent antioxidant effect under inflammatory conditions. This concentration of bromelain also significantly increased epithelial permeability in IL-6-treated tissues. Bromelain demonstrated counteracting effects of induced oxidative stress in IL-6 treated intestinal mucosa (p < 0,01). No significant changes in TEER or cell viability were observed between treatments and experimental conditions.
These findings emphasize the importance of studying bioactive compounds like fruit enzymes bromelain and papain under multiple stress conditions to better understand their therapeutic potential and safety in intestinal health.}},
  author       = {{Reynisson, Bodvar Tandri}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Evaluation of preventive effects of bioactive food compounds against oxidative stress and intestinal inflammation. Study in human reconstructed intestinal 3D tissue model.}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}