Pathology Elsewhere

Abstract

Trefoil factor family 3 (TFF3), or intestinal trefoil factor, is one of the trefoil factor peptides that is exclusively expressed by goblet cells of the small and large bowel. Several experiments had suggested a key role of trefoil factor peptides in protecting the gastrointestinal mucosa from injury and promoting recovery. Mice overexpressing TFF3 displayed increased resistance to intestinal damage and ulceration. The question can thus be asked: does TFF3 have a healing role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), where destructive inflammation is the final common pathway?