Intestinal alkaline phosphatase: novel functions and protective effects

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology

Background:

• Intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) plays crucial roles in gut health, including pH regulation, lipid absorption, and detoxification.
• Recent reviews highlight IAP's protective functions, which are influenced by nutritional factors.
• IAP isoforms are specific to the small intestine (IAP) and colon (tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review new findings on IAP properties and expand its known protective functions.
• To critically assess the mechanisms underlying IAP's protective effects.
• To explore the link between IAP, diet, and gut homeostasis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and critical assessment of existing data.
• Analysis of IAP's dephosphorylation activities.
• Evaluation of IAP's role in gut barrier function and microbiota modulation.

Main Results:

• IAP dephosphorylates proinflammatory substances, directly reducing inflammation.
• IAP may indirectly downregulate inflammation, contributing to gut barrier protection and microbiota shaping.
• Exogenous IAP administration ameliorates gut inflammation and promotes tissue regeneration.
• Enteral and systemic IAP administration primarily attenuates systemic inflammation.

Conclusions:

• IAP possesses diverse protective functions in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Dietary stimulation of IAP activity is a promising strategy for maintaining gut health.
• Targeting IAP can help minimize low-grade inflammation and preserve gut homeostasis.