Fuente: PubMed "plant biotechnology" J Ginseng Res. 2026 May;50(3):100992. doi: 10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100992. Epub 2026 Feb 10.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Mucins are critical components of the intestinal mucus layer that protects the gut epithelium and maintains microbiota balance. Protopanaxatriol (PPT), an active metabolite derived from protopanaxatriol-type saponins, has shown promise in modulating gut health, but its effects on mucin expression remain poorly understood.OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of PPT on mucin expression in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells and in a mouse model.METHODS: Caco-2 cells were treated with different concentrations of PPT, and the expression of mucins was assessed via qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis. In parallel, mice were administered PPT orally, and tissues were collected for mucin quantification.RESULTS: PPT treatment significantly upregulated mucin expression at both the mRNA and protein levels in Caco-2 cells. In vivo, mice administered with PPT exhibited significantly elevated mucin expression in the colon. In addition, PPT administration also induced mucin expression in both lung and stomach tissues.CONCLUSION: PPT promoted mucin expression in human intestinal epithelial cells and in the gut of mice, suggesting their potential as natural agents for maintaining gut health and preventing intestinal disorders.PMID:42112117 | PMC:PMC13149887 | DOI:10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100992