Abstract
The intestinal barrier plays an extremely important role in maintaining the immune homeostasis of the gut and the entire body. It is made up of an intricate system of cells, mucus and intestinal microbiota. A complex system of proteins allows the selective permeability of elements that are safe and necessary for the proper nutrition of the body. Disturbances in the tightness of this barrier result in the penetration of toxins and other harmful antigens into the system. Such events lead to various digestive tract dysfunctions, systemic infections, food intolerances and autoimmune diseases. Pathogenic and probiotic bacteria, and the compounds they secrete, undoubtedly affect the properties of the intestinal barrier. The discovery of zonulin, a protein with tight junction regulatory activity in the epithelia, sheds new light on the understanding of the role of the gut barrier in promoting health, as well as the formation of diseases. Coincidentally, there is an increasing number of reports on treatment methods that target gut microbiota, which suggests that the prevention of gut-barrier defects may be a viable approach for improving the condition of COVID-19 patients. Various bacteria–intestinal barrier interactions are the subject of this review, aiming to show the current state of knowledge on this topic and its potential therapeutic applications.
Highlights
The main responsibility of the digestive system is digesting food and absorbing the highest possible content of nutrients obtainable from consumed products
Many studies have shown that probiotics have a beneficial effect on serum zonulin levels, which constitute a measure of intestinal permeability
Dysbiosis caused by the consumption of processed foods, abuse of certain medications or nutritional deficiencies can lead to inflammation, resulting in increased permeability of the intestinal barrier
Summary
The main responsibility of the digestive system is digesting food and absorbing the highest possible content of nutrients obtainable from consumed products. The intestinal barrier plays a vital role in maintaining immune homeostasis of the gut and the entire body. An observation has been made that a shift in the intestinal microbiota composition balance towards opportunistic microorganisms results in the increased secretion of a recently discovered protein, zonulin. Studies have documented that increased zonulin expression and intestinal barrier permeability are interconnected with celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, and other autoimmune diseases. This indicates that recent advances on the topic of intestinal microbiota and its relationship with the physiology of intestinal diseases necessitate this review and update of the contemporary literature on this topic
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
