Targeting β-catenin preserves gut vascular barrier integrity and attenuates gut-liver axis inflammation in ETEC infection

This study investigated the effects of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) challenge on the gut vascular barrier (GVB) function in weaned piglets and explored the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling using the pharmacological inhibitor MSAB. Sixteen weaned piglets were randomly assigned to control or ETEC-challenged groups. ETEC challenge induced significant increases in serum LPS and alanine transaminase activity, villus atrophy, disrupted jejunal tight junction gene expression, and upregulation of β-catenin and inflammatory markers. Hepatic tissues exhibited elevated TLR4 expression, lymphocytic infiltration, and metabolic alterations. In a parallel mouse model, MSAB intervention alleviated intestinal injury, reduced inflammatory gene expression, improved tight junction protein levels, and ameliorated GVB dysfunction. These findings demonstrate ETEC-induced GVB disruption exacerbates gut-liver axis inflammation, while MSAB effectively preserves barrier integrity and mitigates inflammatory responses, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic strategy against post-weaning diarrhea.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC); Gut Vascular Barrier; Gut–Liver Axis; Intestinal Barrier; β-catenin pathway.