White grape (Vitis vinifera) skin phenolic extract impacts DSS-induced embryonic intestinal stress (in ovo)

Grape pomace, or the skin, seed, and pulp byproduct of wine and grape juice production, presents a valuable opportunity to repurpose an abundant material with potential health benefits. In particular, white grape (Vitis vinifera) skins contain phenolic compounds including condensed tannins and quercetin glycosides which are associated with reduced intestinal inflammation and ameliorated barrier loss in adult in vivo models. However, the impact of white grape skin phenolics on intestinal function during embryonic development, a foundational period for establishing long-term intestinal health, is less studied. We utilized a chicken embryo (in ovo) model challenged with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced intestinal stress to evaluate the bioactivity of a white grape skin phenolic extract. The extract normalized DSS-induced duodenal goblet cell loss, colonic crypt hyperplasia, and cecal dysbiosis. DSS altered both duodenal and colonic zonula occludens 2 expression as well as colonic occludin expression, which GSkE had trending, but insignificant, normalizing effects. Altogether, white grape skin phenolics have the potential to affect early-life intestinal function with further study of its optimal dose, phenolic fractions, and target consumer base.