Filtered Kombucha Tea Rings the Bell for TLR2, TLR4, MYD88, and Dectin-1 in Mice Model of Colitis

Background and objectives: TLR2, TLR4, and Dectin-1 (Clec7) are pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) expressed by intestinal epithelia cells and MYD88 is a signaling molecule of TLR2 and TLR4. They warn immune system about the presence of invading pathogens promoting initiation of inflammatory response. Because of colonic cancer risk, therapy of intestinal inflammation is of high importance. Natural products are suitable candidates among which Kombucha tea has shown healing effect on mice model of colitis. Methods: Filtered Kombucha tea was prepared from black tea and sucrose plus tea fungus and previously fermented Kombucha tea. The collection was fermented by incubation at 28 °C for 14 days and filtered. Colitis was induced in young and old mice by administration of 3.5% (w/v) dextran sodium sulfate in drinking water during 7 days; filtrated Kombucha tea was given orally to animals with colitis, at a dose volume of 10 mL/kg daily for 21 days. Dectin-1, f toll-like receptor (TLR)-2, 4, as PRRs, and MyD88, as PRR signaling molecule were measured and compared with the age-matched normal and colitis model. Results: Treatment with filtrated Kombucha tea significantly affected TLR2/TLR4 pathway and its downstream signaling molecules, MYD88 & dectin-1expression and subsequently inflammatory condition in dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis. Conclusion: The results of the present study may indicate possible implication of Kombucha tea with TLRS which consequently produces the anti-colitis effects.