Intestinal permeability – a new target for disease prevention and therapy

作者：Stephan C. Bischoff, Giovanni Barbara, Wim A. Buurman, Theo Ockhuizen, Jörg–Dieter Schulzke, Matteo Sérino, Herbert Tilg, Alastair J.M. Watson, Jerry M. Wells · 发表于：BMC Gastroenterology · 年份：2014 · DOI：10.1186/s12876-014-0189-7 · 被引用次数：1736 · 研究领域：Gut microbiota and health、Gastrointestinal motility and disorders、Dietary Effects on Health

Data are accumulating that emphasize the important role of the intestinal barrier and intestinal permeability for health and disease. However, these terms are poorly defined, their assessment is a matter of debate, and their clinical significance is not clearly established. In the present review, current knowledge on mucosal barrier and its role in disease prevention and therapy is summarized. First, the relevant terms 'intestinal barrier' and 'intestinal permeability' are defined. Secondly, the key element of the intestinal barrier affecting permeability are described. This barrier represents a huge mucosal surface, where billions of bacteria face the largest immune system of our body. On the one hand, an intact intestinal barrier protects the human organism against invasion of microorganisms and toxins, on the other hand, this barrier must be open to absorb essential fluids and nutrients. Such opposing goals are achieved by a complex anatomical and functional structure the intestinal barrier consists of, the functional status of which is described by 'intestinal permeability'. Third, the regulation of intestinal permeability by diet and bacteria is depicted. In particular, potential barrier disruptors such as hypoperfusion of the gut, infections and toxins, but also selected over-dosed nutrients, drugs, and other lifestyle factors have to be considered. In the fourth part, the means to assess intestinal permeability are presented and critically discussed. The means vary eno...