Exploring the potential use of Caenorhabditis elegans as an animal model for evaluating chemical-induced intestinal dysfunction

Abstract

Evaluating intestinal toxicity is crucial for identifying and preventing the harmful effects of environmental chemicals. Owing to the limitations of existing models in evaluating intestinal toxicity, the development of alternative models is urgently needed. This study explored the potential use of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model animal for assessing chemical-induced intestinal dysfunction. Changes in intestinal permeability and nutrient absorption in C. elegans individuals exposed to four intestine-disrupting chemicals (sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and ethanol) were examined using dye stain assays, an enzymatic photometric assay, and fluorescent probe uptake assays. Additionally, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an intestine-protecting phytochemical, was chosen to prevent ethanol-induced intestinal damage. The results indicated that SDS, DSS, LPS, and ethanol compromised the intestinal barrier in C. elegans. SDS had no effect on glucose absorption, but LPS, DSS, and ethanol inhibited or tended to inhibit glucose absorption. SDS, DSS, LPS, and ethanol reduced fatty acid absorption. LPS increased peptide absorption at a low dose but decreased it at a high dose; SDS, DSS, and ethanol attenuated peptide absorption. EGCG protected against the disruption of the intestinal barrier that was induced by ethanol treatment. These results suggest that C. elegans is a suitable surrogate model animal for evaluating chemical-induced intestinal dysfunction. These findings also provide new insights into the effects of SDS, DSS, LPS, and ethanol on intestinal function and highlight the potential of EGCG as a natural dietary intervention to protect individuals who use excess alcohol from intestinal injury.