Analysis of Gene Expression in a Gut Epithelial Cell Line Treated with re:iimmune and Lipopolysaccharide

Background: Re:iimmune is a novel oral hydration and probiotic supplement designed to provide clinical strength hydration and intestinal immune support following illness and hospitalization. The goal of this study was to evaluate any anti-inflammatory properties of the supplement due to the inclusion of ginger extract and zinc oxide in the product formulation. Methods: A gut epithelial cell line was stimulated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) before the addition of the re:iimmune product to the culture medium. Following incubation, gene expression arrays were used to assay 92 different markers involved in a wide-variety of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes. Additionally, ten hallmark pro-inflammatory proteins were assayed using immunofluorescent imaging. Results: Findings from qPCR assays indicate that five inflammatory markers were significantly altered as a result of incubation with the re:iimmune product, including the two genes involved in the synthesis and binding of prostaglandins. Immunofluorescent techniques revealed that the re:iimmune product was capable of attenuating LPS-induced inflammation in hallmark pro-inflammatory proteins, including TNF-α and NF-κB. Conclusions: While the mechanism remains unclear, the results from this study indicate that the inclusion of zinc and ginger extract in the formulation of the re:iimmune product may serve to reduce cellular inflammation through the attenuation of pro-inflammatory cytokines.