scholarly journals The Intestinal Barrier and Current Techniques for the Assessment of Gut Permeability

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ida Schoultz ◽  
Åsa V. Keita
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Permeability ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
The Body ◽  
Functional Studies ◽  
Gut Barrier Function ◽  
Diverse Backgrounds

The intestinal barrier is essential in human health and constitutes the interface between the outside and the internal milieu of the body. A functional intestinal barrier allows absorption of nutrients and fluids but simultaneously prevents harmful substances like toxins and bacteria from crossing the intestinal epithelium and reaching the body. An altered intestinal permeability, a sign of a perturbed barrier function, has during the last decade been associated with several chronic conditions, including diseases originating in the gastrointestinal tract but also diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson disease. This has led to an intensified interest from researchers with diverse backgrounds to perform functional studies of the intestinal barrier in different conditions. Intestinal permeability is defined as the passage of a solute through a simple membrane and can be measured by recording the passage of permeability markers over the epithelium via the paracellular or the transcellular route. The methodological tools to investigate the gut barrier function are rapidly expanding and new methodological approaches are being developed. Here we outline and discuss, in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo techniques and how these methods can be utilized for thorough investigation of the intestinal barrier.

scholarly journals Crosstalk between Inflammation and ROCK/MLCK Signaling Pathways in Gastrointestinal Disorders with Intestinal Hyperpermeability

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lijun Du ◽  
John J. Kim ◽  
Jinhua Shen ◽  
Ning Dai
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Permeability ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Coiled Coil ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Mucosal Inflammation ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Function ◽  
Gastrointestinal Disorders ◽  
Irritable Bowel

The barrier function of the intestine is essential for maintaining the normal homeostasis of the gut and mucosal immune system. Abnormalities in intestinal barrier function expressed by increased intestinal permeability have long been observed in various gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Imbalance of metabolizing junction proteins and mucosal inflammation contributes to intestinal hyperpermeability. Emerging studies exploringin vitroandin vivomodel system demonstrate that Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase- (ROCK-) and myosin light chain kinase- (MLCK-) mediated pathways are involved in the regulation of intestinal permeability. With this perspective, we aim to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the role of inflammation and ROCK-/MLCK-mediated pathways leading to intestinal hyperpermeability in gastrointestinal disorders. In the near future, it may be possible to specifically target these specific pathways to develop novel therapies for gastrointestinal disorders associated with increased gut permeability.

The Role of Polyphenols in the Modulation of Plasma Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant Capacity (NEAC)

2012 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Serafini ◽  
Giuseppa Morabito
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
The Body ◽  
Dietary Polyphenols ◽  
Enzymatic Antioxidant ◽  
Endogenous Antioxidant

Dietary polyphenols have been shown to scavenge free radicals, modulating cellular redox transcription factors in different in vitro and ex vivo models. Dietary intervention studies have shown that consumption of plant foods modulates plasma Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant Capacity (NEAC), a biomarker of the endogenous antioxidant network, in human subjects. However, the identification of the molecules responsible for this effect are yet to be obtained and evidences of an antioxidant in vivo action of polyphenols are conflicting. There is a clear discrepancy between polyphenols (PP) concentration in body fluids and the extent of increase of plasma NEAC. The low degree of absorption and the extensive metabolism of PP within the body have raised questions about their contribution to the endogenous antioxidant network. This work will discuss the role of polyphenols from galenic preparation, food extracts, and selected dietary sources as modulators of plasma NEAC in humans.

scholarly journals Sauna dehydration as a new physiological challenge model for intestinal barrier function

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Fernanda Roca Rubio ◽  
Ulrika Eriksson ◽  
Robert J. Brummer ◽  
Julia König
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Intestinal Permeability ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Fatty Acid Binding Protein ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Function ◽  
Fatty Acid Binding ◽  
Acid Binding Protein

AbstractThe intestinal barrier plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health, and an increased permeability has been linked to several intestinal and extra-intestinal disorders. There is an increasing demand for interventions aimed at strengthening this barrier and for in vivo challenge models to assess their efficiency. This study investigated the effect of sauna-induced dehydration on intestinal barrier function (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03620825). Twenty healthy subjects underwent three conditions in random order: (1) Sauna dehydration (loss of 3% body weight), (2) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) intake, (3) negative control. Intestinal permeability was assessed by a multi-sugar urinary recovery test, while intestinal damage, bacterial translocation and cytokines were assessed by plasma markers. The sauna dehydration protocol resulted in an increase in gastroduodenal and small intestinal permeability. Presumably, this increase occurred without substantial damage to the enterocytes as plasma intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) and liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) were not affected. In addition, we observed significant increases in levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), IL-6 and IL-8, while sCD14, IL-10, IFN-ɣ and TNF-α were not affected. These results suggest that sauna dehydration increased intestinal permeability and could be applied as a new physiological in vivo challenge model for intestinal barrier function.

scholarly journals Intestinal Permeability Assays: a Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-30
Author(s):  
A. A. Iakupova ◽  
S. R. Abdulkhakov ◽  
R. K. Zalyalov ◽  
A. G. Safin ◽  
R. A. Abdulkhakov
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Permeability ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Intestinal Lumen ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Assessment Techniques ◽  
Portal Venous Blood

Aim. A literature review of intestinal permeability assessment techniques.Key points. The intestinal barrier is a functional entity separating the intestinal lumen and internal body, and intestinal permeability is a measure of the barrier functionality. The intestinal barrier integrity and permeability assays differ by the application setting (in vivo or ex vivo), subject (human or animal), marker molecules used to assess permeability (ions, various size carbohydrates, macromolecules, antigens, bacterial products and bacteria), biomaterial for the marker concentration assays (peripheral blood, portal venous blood, urine, stool). Despite a great variety of methods for assessing intestinal permeability, their clinical application requires further studies due to a lack of standardisation, the complexity of selected techniques and occasional limited reliability of results.Conclusion. Further investigation and improvement of intestinal permeability assays is required. The assay and result standardisation will facilitate practice in functional and organic intestinal diseases, as well as allergies, diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and some other illnesses.

scholarly journals Role for diet in normal gut barrier function: developing guidance within the framework of food-labeling regulations

2019 ◽  
Vol 317 (1) ◽  
pp. G17-G39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Camilleri ◽  
Barbara J. Lyle ◽  
Karen L. Madsen ◽  
Justin Sonnenburg ◽  
Kristin Verbeke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Barrier Function ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Normal Function ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Function ◽  
Dietary Interventions ◽  
Labeling Regulations ◽  
Gut Barrier Function ◽  
And Function

A reduction in intestinal barrier function is currently believed to play an important role in pathogenesis of many diseases, as it facilitates passage of injurious factors such as lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, whole bacteria, and other toxins to traverse the barrier to damage the intestine or enter the portal circulation. Currently available evidence in animal models and in vitro systems has shown that certain dietary interventions can be used to reinforce the intestinal barrier to prevent the development of disease. The relevance of these studies to human health is unknown. Herein, we define the components of the intestinal barrier, review available modalities to assess its structure and function in humans, and review the available evidence in model systems or perturbations in humans that diet can be used to fortify intestinal barrier function. Acknowledging the technical challenges and the present gaps in knowledge, we provide a conceptual framework by which evidence could be developed to support the notion that diet can reinforce human intestinal barrier function to restore normal function and potentially reduce the risk for disease. Such evidence would provide information on the development of healthier diets and serve to provide a framework by which federal agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration can evaluate evidence linking diet with normal human structure/function claims focused on reducing risk of disease in the general public.

scholarly journals 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) Supplementation Improves Gut Barrier Function and Lipid Metabolism in HF-fed Mice

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 425-425
Author(s):  
Sunhye Lee ◽  
Michael Goodson ◽  
Wendie Vang ◽  
Karen Kalanetra ◽  
Daniela Barile ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Lipid Metabolism ◽  
Intestinal Permeability ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Function ◽  
Gut Barrier ◽  
Low Fat ◽  
Barrier Integrity ◽  
Gut Barrier Function

Abstract Objectives 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL), the most predominant oligosaccharide found in human milk, acts as a prebiotic with beneficial effects on the host. The aim of this study was to determine the beneficial effect of 2’-FL on intestinal barrier integrity and metabolic functions in low-fat (LF)- and high-fat (HF)-fed mice. Methods Male C57/BL6 mice (n = 32, 8/group; 6 weeks old, JAX, CA) were counter-balanced into four weight-matched groups and fed either a low-fat (LF; 10% kcal fat with 7% kcal sucrose) or HF (45% kcal fat with 17% kcal sucrose) with or without supplementation of 2’-FL in the diet [10% (w/w), 8 weeks; LF/2’-FL or HF/2’-FL; BASF, Germany]. General phenotypes (body weight, energy intake, fat and lean mass), intestinal permeability (ex vivo in Ussing chambers), lipid profiles, and microbial metabolites were assessed. Results 2’-FL significantly attenuated the HF-induced increase in body fat mass with a trend to decrease body weight gain. 2’-FL significantly decreased intestinal permeability in LF-fed mice with a trend for a decrease in HF-fed mice. This was associated with a significant increase in interleukin-22, a cytokine known to have a protective role in intestinal barrier function. Visceral adipocyte size was significantly decreased by 2’-FL in both LF- and HF-fed mice. 2’-FL suppressed HF-induced upregulation of adipogenic transcription factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c in the liver. Lastly, 2’-FL supplementation led to a significant elevation of lactic acid concentration in the cecum of HF-fed mice, which is known to be a product from beneficial microbes. Conclusions 2’-FL supplementation improved gut barrier integrity and lipid metabolism in mice with and without the metabolic challenge of HF feeding. These findings support the use of 2’-FL in the control of gut barrier function and metabolic homeostasis under normal and abnormal physiological conditions. Funding Sources BASF (Germany).

Soy protein concentrate mitigates markers of colonic inflammation and loss of gut barrier function in vitro and in vivo

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 ◽  
pp. 201-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary T. Bitzer ◽  
Amy L. Wopperer ◽  
Benjamin J. Chrisfield ◽  
Ling Tao ◽  
Timothy K. Cooper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soy Protein ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Soy Protein Concentrate ◽  
Protein Concentrate ◽  
Gut Barrier ◽  
Colonic Inflammation ◽  
Gut Barrier Function

scholarly journals MMP-9-induced increase in intestinal epithelial tight permeability is mediated by p38 kinase signaling pathway activation of MLCK gene

2019 ◽  
Vol 316 (2) ◽  
pp. G278-G290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rana Al-Sadi ◽  
Moustafa Youssef ◽  
Manmeet Rawat ◽  
Shuhong Guo ◽  
Karol Dokladny ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Expression ◽  
Intestinal Permeability ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Intestinal Inflammation ◽  
Gene Activity ◽  
Intestinal Epithelial ◽  
P38 Kinase ◽  
Kinase Signaling Pathway

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has been implicated as being an important pathogenic factor in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). MMP-9 is markedly elevated in intestinal tissue of patients with IBD, and IBD patients have a defective intestinal tight-junction (TJ) barrier manifested by an increase in intestinal permeability. The loss of intestinal epithelial barrier function is an important contributing factor in the development and prolongation of intestinal inflammation; however, the role of MMP-9 in intestinal barrier function remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of MMP-9 on the intestinal epithelial TJ barrier and to delineate the intracellular mechanisms involved by using in vitro (filter-grown Caco-2 monolayers) and in vivo (mouse small intestine recycling perfusion) systems. MMP-9 caused a time- and dose-dependent increase in Caco-2 TJ permeability. MMP-9 also caused an increase in myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) gene activity, protein expression, and enzymatic activity. The pharmacological MLCK inhibition and siRNA-induced knockdown of MLCK inhibited the MMP-9-induced increase in Caco-2 TJ permeability. MMP-9 caused a rapid activation of the p38 kinase signaling pathway and inhibition of p38 kinase activity prevented the MMP-9-induced increase in MLCK gene activity and the increase in Caco-2 TJ permeability. MMP-9 also caused an increase in mouse intestinal permeability in vivo, which was accompanied by an increase in MLCK expression. The MMP-9-induced increase in mouse intestinal permeability was inhibited in MLCK-deficient mice. These data show for the first time that the MMP-9-induced increase in intestinal TJ permeability in vitro and in vivo was mediated by the p38 kinase signal transduction pathway upregulation of MLCK gene activity and that therapeutic targeting of these pathways can prevent the MMP-9-induced increase in intestinal TJ permeability. NEW & NOTEWORTHY MMP-9 is highly elevated in patients with IBD. IBD patients have compromised intestinal TJ barrier function manifested by an increase in intestinal permeability and intestinal inflammation. This study shows that MMP-9, at clinically achievable concentrations, causes an increase in intestinal TJ permeability in vitro and in vivo. In addition, a MMP-9-induced increase in intestinal TJ permeability was mediated by an increase in MLCK gene and protein expression via the p38 kinase pathway.

Lipid-nanopotentiated combinatorial delivery of tamoxifen and sulforaphane: ex vivo, in vivo and toxicity studies

Nanomedicine ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (26) ◽  
pp. 2563-2583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bharti Mangla ◽  
Yub R Neupane ◽  
Archu Singh ◽  
Pankaj Kumar ◽  
Sadat Shafi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Permeability ◽  
Oral Delivery ◽  
Chemotherapeutic Agent ◽  
Treatment Approach ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Toxicity Assessment ◽  
Drug Release Profile ◽  
Novel Treatment

Aim: This study aims to load tamoxifen (TAM) and sulforaphane (SFN) into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to enhance their oral delivery. Materials & methods: TAM-SFN-NLCs were prepared using Precirol® ATO5 and Transcutol® HP, characterized and evaluated in vitro and ex vivo to assess the drug release profile and intestinal permeability, respectively. In vivo pharmacokinetic and acute toxicity assessment was performed in Wistar rats. Results: Optimized TAM-SFN-NLCs exhibited a particle size of 121.9 ± 6.42 nm and zeta potential of -21.2 ± 2.91 mV. The NLCs enhanced intestinal permeability of TAM and SFN and augmented oral bioavailability of TAM and SFN 5.2-fold and 4.8-fold, respectively. SFN significantly reduced TAM-associated toxicity in vivo. Conclusion: This coencapsulation of a chemotherapeutic agent with a herbal bioactive in NLCs could pave a novel treatment approach against cancer.

scholarly journals Iodine-124 PET quantification of organ-specific delivery and expression of NIS-encoding RNA

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Miederer ◽  
Stefanie Pektor ◽  
Isabelle Miederer ◽  
Nicole Bausbacher ◽  
Isabell Sofia Keil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Lines ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Protein Translation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Small Animal Pet ◽  
Animal Pet ◽  
Organ Specific

Abstract Background RNA-based vaccination strategies tailoring immune response to specific reactions have become an important pillar for a broad range of applications. Recently, the use of lipid-based nanoparticles opened the possibility to deliver RNA to specific sites within the body, overcoming the limitation of rapid degradation in the bloodstream. Here, we have investigated whether small animal PET/MRI can be employed to image the biodistribution of RNA-encoded protein. For this purpose, a reporter RNA coding for the sodium-iodide-symporter (NIS) was in vitro transcribed in cell lines and evaluated for expression. RNA-lipoplex nanoparticles were then assembled by complexing RNA with liposomes at different charge ratios, and functional NIS protein translation was imaged and quantified in vivo and ex vivo by Iodine-124 PET upon intravenous administration in mice. Results NIS expression was detected on the membrane of two cell lines as early as 6 h after transfection and gradually decreased over 48 h. In vivo and ex vivo PET/MRI of anionic spleen-targeting or cationic lung-targeting NIS-RNA lipoplexes revealed a visually detectable rapid increase of Iodine-124 uptake in the spleen or lung compared to control-RNA-lipoplexes, respectively, with minimal background in other organs except from thyroid, stomach and salivary gland. Conclusions The strong organ selectivity and high target-to-background acquisition of NIS-RNA lipoplexes indicate the feasibility of small animal PET/MRI to quantify organ-specific delivery of RNA.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document