Protopanaxatriol enhances mucin expression in intestinal epithelial cells and mice

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. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PPT on mucin expression in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells and in a mouse model. 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. 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. 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.