OPeNing the Epithelial Barrier: Osteopontin Preserves Gut Barrier Function During Intestinal Inflammation

Excerpt

Since the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is multifactorial, a systematic approach to identifying the molecular events that provoke and sustain the chronic, recurring inflammation typical of IBD is required. The continuous stimulation of the mucosal immune system due to the increased permeability of the intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) layer may be the primary defect in patients suffering from IBD, whereas a healthy epithelium provides an effective barrier to the penetration of luminal antigens into the submucosa. Increased paracellular permeability has been documented in the epithelial lining from acutely inflamed and chronically damaged areas of the intestine of IBD patients. Numerous animal studies have demonstrated the development of inflammation in intestinal segments underlying “leaky” mucosa and have even reported increased permeability prior to the onset of intestinal inflammation [1, 2]. …