Abstract: Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanism of Lactobacillus reuteri on the inflammatory response and apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells. Methods: Immunofluorescence and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the effect of L. reuteri on the inflammatory response and apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells. Bioinformatics analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the dual-luciferase reporter gene assay were used to analyze downstream miRNA expression under the action of L. reuteri. The downstream target gene of miR-196a and its function were investigated using the dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and Western blot (WB). Results: L. reuteri inhibited inflammatory responses and apoptosis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in intestinal epithelial cells by up-regulating miR-196a. miR-196a could protect intestinal epithelial cells by targeting the expression of programmed cell death factor 4 (PDCD4). Conclusion: L. reuteri could inhibit the expression of the PDCD4 gene through miR-196a, thereby alleviating the inflammatory response and apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells.

Key words: Lactobacillus reuteri; intestinal health; microRNA; inflammation; apoptosis