Peptides derived from fermented soybean meal suppresses intestinal inflammation and enhances epithelial barrier function in piglets

This study was to investigate the effects of peptides derived from fermented soybean meal (FSP) on intestinal inflammation and epithelial barrier function of the piglets. Compared to fed soybean meal, piglets fed with fermented soybean meal (FSBM) exhibit lower serum levels of IL-6, IL-1β and D-lactate, and reduced ileum macrophage infiltration. Besides, the FSBM up-regulated (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) expression of mucins and tight junction (TJ) proteins in the jejunum and ileum of piglets. The FSP were prepared with alkali extraction and a 3-kDa molecular weight cut-off membrane system. <i>In vitro</i>, FSP reducing the mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8 and attenuated <i>Escherichia coli</i> K88-induced inflammation in the intestinal porcine epithelial cells-J2 (IPEC-J2). Furthermore, FSP increased (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) the expression of TJ proteins and transepithelial electrical resistance in IPEC-J2 cells. These results suggest that FSP could improve small intestinal health by enhancing epithelial barrier function and suppressing inflammation.