Cited by 1,288Gastrointestinal motility and disordersBarrier Structure and Function StudiesGut microbiota and health

The intestinal epithelial barrier: a therapeutic target?

Open access
Odenwald, Matthew A., Turner, Jerrold R.·2017·Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology

Abstract

A fundamental function of the intestinal epithelium is to act as a barrier that limits interactions between luminal contents such as the intestinal microbiota, the underlying immune system and the remainder of the body, while supporting vectorial transport of nutrients, water and waste products. Epithelial barrier function requires a contiguous layer of cells as well as the junctions that seal the paracellular space between epithelial cells. Compromised intestinal barrier function has been associated with a number of disease states, both intestinal and systemic. Unfortunately, most current clinical data are correlative, making it difficult to separate cause from effect in interpreting the importance of barrier loss. Some data from experimental animal models suggest that compromised epithelial integrity might have a pathogenic role in specific gastrointestinal diseases, but no FDA-approved agents that target the epithelial barrier are presently available. To develop such therapies, a deeper understanding of both disease pathogenesis and mechanisms of barrier regulation must be reached. Here, we review and discuss mechanisms of intestinal barrier loss and the role of intestinal epithelial barrier function in pathogenesis of both intestinal and systemic diseases. We conclude with a discussion of potential strategies to restore the epithelial barrier.

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    “Compromised intestinal barrier function has been associated with a number of disease states, both intestinal and systemic.128”

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Authors
Odenwald, M. A., & Turner, J. R.
Affiliations
  • University of Chicago (US)
  • Brigham and Women's Hospital (US)
Corresponding author
Turner, Jerrold R.
Venue
Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Published
2016-11-16
Volume
14
Issue
1
Pages
9-21
ISSN
  • 1759-5045 (ISSN-L)
  • 1759-5053
OpenAlex
W2553323458
Cited by
1,288
References
228
Citations by year
2026: 170 · 2025: 156 · 2024: 183 · 2023: 177 · 2022: 166 · 2021: 166 · 2020: 107 · 2019: 76 · 2018: 60 · 2017: 25 · 2016: 2
FWCI
9.17
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • Crohn's and Colitis Foundation (252879)
  • National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (F30DK103511, F32DK009180, R01DK068271, P30DK034854, R01DK061931)
  • Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (T32HD007009)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Gastroenterology › Gastrointestinal motility and disorders
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Neurology › Barrier Structure and Function Studies
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Gut microbiota and health
Keywords
intestinal epithelial barrier, intestinal permeability, tight junctions, paracellular barrier, gut microbiota, systemic disease
MeSH terms
Animals, Celiac Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1, Graft vs Host Disease, Homeostasis, Humans, Intercellular Junctions, Intestinal Mucosa, Permeability, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

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