Perspective: Prospects for Nutraceutical Support of Intestinal Barrier Function

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Cell Biology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Intestinal barrier dysfunction is implicated in aging, inflammation, infections, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.
• Intestinal tight junctions are vital for barrier integrity, maintained by signaling pathways like GLP-2/IGF-I/PI3K/Akt/mTORC1.
• Protective factors include AMPK and estrogen receptor-β (ERβ) activity, while inflammatory pathways (MAPKs, c-Src) disrupt barrier function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying intestinal barrier function.
• To identify nutraceuticals and dietary components that can support or restore intestinal barrier integrity.
• To suggest potential therapeutic strategies involving functional foods and supplements.

Main Methods:

• Review of molecular signaling pathways involved in intestinal barrier regulation.
• Identification of endogenous factors (e.g., GLP-2, AMPK, ERβ) and exogenous agents (nutraceuticals, diet) influencing these pathways.
• Analysis of how inflammatory mediators affect tight junction stability.

Main Results:

• Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) signaling promotes tight junction formation via PI3K/Akt/mTORC1.
• AMPK and ERβ activities are protective, while MAPK and c-Src activation are detrimental to barrier function.
• Specific nutraceuticals (pre/probiotics, glycine, glutamine, berberine, soy isoflavones) and dietary components (soluble fiber, resistant starch) positively influence barrier function.
• Antioxidants (phycocyanobilin, N-acetylcysteine) can counteract inflammatory damage.

Conclusions:

• Nutraceuticals promoting GLP-2 secretion and AMPK activators can enhance intestinal barrier function.
• Dietary interventions rich in fiber and specific compounds like soy isoflavones offer protective benefits.
• Targeting inflammatory pathways with antioxidants may mitigate barrier disruption.
• Functional foods and targeted supplementation hold clinical potential for managing intestinal barrier disorders.