Antimicrobial and Cytoprotective Effects of Tea Extracts Against Escherichia coli-Producing Colibactin Toxin Infections

Background/Objectives: Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze or tea contains bioactive compounds such as catechin and caffeine, known for their antimicrobial and health-promoting properties. Colibactin-producing Escherichia coli are linked to genotoxicity in colon epithelial cells, potentially contributing to colorectal disease. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of tea extracts (green, oolong, and black) and the phytochemicals catechin and caffeine on E. coli pathogenesis mediated by colibactin toxins, including transient infections, DNA damage, and cell cycle alterations in Caco-2 colon cells. Methods: Tea extracts were analyzed by HPLC for phytochemical content. Their antimicrobial activity against colibactin-producing E. coli (ATCC 25922) was assessed. Caco-2 cells were infected with the bacteria and treated with tea extracts or compounds. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay, DNA damage was measured by alkaline comet assay, and the expression of CDK-1, CDK-2, and Ki-67 genes was measurd by qRT-PCR. Results: Tea extracts and catechin inhibited colibactin-producing E. coli and significantly protected Caco-2 cells. Oolong tea showed the highest protection (90.78 ± 2.76%), with others maintaining viability above 80%. DNA damage was markedly reduced, and cell cycle regulation improved. All extracts upregulated CDK-1 and downregulated CDK-2, aiding in cell cycle restoration. Ki-67 expression indicated enhanced cell proliferation during infection. Conclusions: This study highlights new findings showing that tea extracts, including green, oolong, and black tea, as well as the tea compounds catechin and caffeine, can protect against DNA damage and help maintain the normal cell cycle of colon cells infected with E. coli-producing colibactin toxin. These results support their potential role in preventing and mitigating infections caused by such E. coli strains while promoting colon cell health.