Modulation of Intestinal Immune and Barrier Functions by Vitamin A: Implications for Current Understanding of Malnutrition and Enteric Infections in Children.

Pedro De Medeiros,Reinaldo Oriá,Juliana De Almeida,David Bolick,Richard Guerrant,Francisco Rodrigues,Aldo Lima,Daniel Pinto,Juliana Rêgo

doi:10.3390/nu10091128

Pedro De Medeiros, Reinaldo Oriá + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091128

Copy DOI

Journal: Nutrients	Publication Date: Aug 21, 2018
Citations: 52	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Virginia, Universidade Federal do Ceará

Abstract

The micronutrient vitamin A refers to a group of compounds with pleiotropic effects on human health. These molecules can modulate biological functions, including development, vision, and regulation of the intestinal barrier. The consequences of vitamin A deficiency and supplementation in children from developing countries have been explored for several years. These children live in an environment that is highly contaminated by enteropathogens, which can, in turn, influence vitamin A status. Vitamin A has been described to modulate gene expression, differentiation and function of diverse immune cells; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. This review aims to summarize the most updated advances on elucidating the vitamin A effects targeting intestinal immune and barrier functions, which may help in further understanding the burdens of malnutrition and enteric infections in children. Specifically, by covering both clinical and in vivo/in vitro data, we describe the effects of vitamin A related to gut immune tolerance/homeostasis, intestinal barrier integrity, and responses to enteropathogens in the context of the environmental enteric dysfunction. Some of the gaps in the literature that require further research are also highlighted.

Highlights

Vitamin A derivatives are major nutrients for human health and modulate several functions, such as cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis [1,2]
Liu and colleagues showed that vitamin A could improve intestinal immune response in the offspring of gestational vitamin A deficient rats when given during the early postnatal period
Recent advances in our understanding of vitamin A signaling show that it is essential for intestinal function in children and sometimes has paradoxical effects

Summary

Introduction

Vitamin A derivatives (or retinoids) are major nutrients for human health and modulate several functions, such as cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis [1,2]. Vitamin A beneficial effects may be dependent on pathogen-driven immune response [7] and genetic background [8]. Much progress has been made on elucidating the vitamin A effects on intestinal barrier function, many gaps remain in our understanding of its interactions with the intestinal microbiota, mucosal immune system, and epithelial junctional proteins, which have been the subject of recent research. We summarize recent data on vitamin A effects on intestinal epithelial barrier proteins and mucosal barrier function and underlying immune responses both in preclinical and clinical studies of enteric infections and malnutrition

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Vitamin A in the Gut

Clinical Evidence of Vitamin A for Enteric Diseases in Children

Findings

Conclusions