Intestinal epithelial cells play important role against external noxious stimuli such as bacterial infections and mycotoxin-induced intestinal inflammation.

The goal of this research study is to determine changes in integrity of intestinal barrier after treatment of the cells either with enteropathogens or with mycotoxins using IPEC-J2 cell line derived from neonatal, unsuckled piglet. Further aim of the research is to elucidate the barrier-reinforcing properties of probiotics or their metabolites, and certain antioxidants in case of xenobiotics-induced intestinal damage.

During the experiments based on transepithelial electrical resistance and paracellular permeability measurements potential intestinal barrier protective compounds will be selected and assessed in-depth.