Redox and Metabolic Regulation of Intestinal Barrier Function and Associated Disorders

Abstract

The intestinal epithelium forms a physical barrier assembled by intercellular junctions, preventing luminal pathogens and toxins from crossing it. The integrity of tight junctions is critical for maintaining intestinal health as the breakdown of tight junction proteins leads to various disorders. Redox reactions are closely associated with energy metabolism. Understanding the regulation of tight junctions by cellular metabolism and redox status in cells may lead to the identification of potential targets for therapeutic interventions. In vitro and in vivo models have been utilized in investigating intestinal barrier dysfunction and in particular the free-living soil nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, may be an important alternative to mammalian models because of its convenience of culture, transparent body for microscopy, short generation time, invariant cell lineage and tractable genetics.

Zinc alleviates thermal stress-induced damage to the integrity and barrier function of cultured chicken embryonic primary jejunal epithelial cells via the MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways

“…Integrity of the intestinal epithelium is supported by TJ proteins forming a physical barrier and connecting adjacent epithelial cells ( Lin et al, 2022 ). Cell proliferation is another crucial factor in the regulation of intestinal epithelial cell integrity and barrier function ( Camilleri et al, 2012 ).…”

Acupuncture treatment for post-stroke depression: Intestinal microbiota and its role

“…As soon as the intestinal mucosal barrier is damaged, it increases permeability of the intestinal epithelium (leaky gut), which allows inflammation-related factors and other harmful substances to enter the circulatory system and initiate systemic inflammation ( Wasinger et al, 2020 ; Dou et al, 2022 ). As part of the intestinal barrier, tight junctions and their proteins protect organisms from pathogens entering from the external environment, which play a significant role in maintaining intestinal barrier integrity ( Lin et al, 2022 ). By establishing cell polarity, tight junctions determine paracellular permeability and serve as a major barrier to the paracellular pathway ( Zihni et al, 2016 ).…”

The potential role of gut microbiota outer membrane vesicles in colorectal cancer

“…It provides a selective permeable barrier that limits the penetration of harmful luminal molecules (e.g., pathogens, toxins, and antigens), without interfering with appropriate nutrient and water absorption activities. Disruption to this permeable barrier increases intestinal permeability and harmful molecule infiltration into the lumen, causing immune system disorder and disease in the gut (Luissint et al, 2016;Takiishi et al, 2017;Lin et al, 2022). Epithelial barrier integrity is facilitated by intercellular tight junction (TJ) structures.…”