Abstract
The intestinal epithelium represents a critical barrier protecting the host against diverse luminal noxious agents, as well as preventing the uncontrolled uptake of bacteria that could activate an immune response in a susceptible host. The epithelial monolayer that constitutes this barrier is regulated by a meshwork of proteins that orchestrate complex biological function such as permeability, transepithelial electrical resistance, and movement of various macromolecules. Because of its key role in maintaining host homeostasis, factors regulating barrier function have attracted sustained attention from the research community. This paper will address the role of bacteria, bacterial-derived metabolism, and the interplay of dietary factors in controlling intestinal barrier function.
Highlights
The gastrointestinal tract (GI) from the mouth to the rectum is lined by a single layer of cells that provides both physical protection from the potentially irritant and antigenic substances present in the luminal compartment and performs essential biological functions such as absorption, secretion, and transport of various nutrients and water
The intestinal epithelium represents a critical barrier protecting the host against diverse luminal noxious agents, as well as preventing the uncontrolled uptake of bacteria that could activate an immune response in a susceptible host
Biological events regulating intestinal epithelial cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and survival are all implicated in the control of intestinal barrier function
Summary
The gastrointestinal tract (GI) from the mouth to the rectum is lined by a single layer of cells that provides both physical protection from the potentially irritant and antigenic substances present in the luminal compartment and performs essential biological functions such as absorption, secretion, and transport of various nutrients and water. The intestinal epithelium evolved in a unique environment where dietary metabolites, bacteria, and bacterialderived metabolites are omnipresent. This environment likely provides a synergistic interaction between this tripartite that potentially influences each component. Composition of dietary intake can have significant impact on both the gut epithelial barrier and the bacterial communities [3,4,5]. We will discuss emerging studies into the molecular effects of short-chain fatty acids, their production by bacteria through intake of prebiotic fiber and resistant starches, and emerging details on probiotics and their mechanisms of action
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