Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Unfolded Protein Response Pathways Involved in the Health-Promoting Effects of Allicin on the Jejunum

Intestinal endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) triggered by adverse factors disturbs the normal function of the intestine. Allicin has been reported to promote intestinal health and development. In the present study, we established in vivo (35-day-old weaned piglets, 4-week-old mice) and in vitro (IPEC-J2 cell line) ERS models to explore the possible mechanisms by which allicin may benefit intestinal health. This study revealed the following: (1) allicin supplementation improved intestinal morphological indices and ameliorated mild ERS in the jejunum of the weaned piglets; (2) allicin supplementation decreased cellular reactive oxygen species and upregulated the XBP-1s signaling pathways in IPEC-J2 cells; (3) allicin supplementation reduced the prolonged ERS-mediated apoptosis of IPEC-J2 cells and in the jejunal tissues of the KM mice; (4) allicin supplementation enhanced the intercellular junction protein levels of jejunal cells by alleviating the prolonged ERS. These novel findings suggest that eating garlic could alleviate some intestinal malfunctions associated with ERS.