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Published on: August 7, 2017
Zonulin as a biomarker and potential therapeutic target in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children
Tiffany Hensley-McBain1, Jennifer A Manuzak2
1Clinical Care Options, Reston, Virginia, USA.
Insights
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) involves gut permeability, with zonulin identified as a key biomarker. This suggests zonulin could be a therapeutic target for preventing and treating MIS-C in children post-SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a severe condition following SARS-CoV-2 infection, often presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Gastrointestinal dysfunction and epithelial barrier breakdown are implicated in MIS-C pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify biomarkers of gastrointestinal (GI) permeability in children with MIS-C.
- To explore zonulin as a potential therapeutic target for MIS-C.
Main Methods:
- The study identified zonulin as a biomarker for GI permeability in pediatric MIS-C patients.
- A proof-of-concept investigation into zonulin's therapeutic potential was conducted.
Main Results:
- Zonulin was identified as a biomarker indicating increased GI permeability in children with MIS-C.
- Findings suggest zonulin may be a viable target for MIS-C treatment and prevention strategies.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal mucosal dysfunction and epithelial barrier disruption are likely mechanisms in MIS-C development.
- Targeting zonulin presents a potential therapeutic avenue for MIS-C in SARS-CoV-2-infected children.
Abstract:
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) occurs during or recently following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and is characterized by persistent fever, inflammation, and severe illness requiring hospitalization. The majority of patients with MIS-C also present with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, including abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. In this issue of the JCI, Yonker, Gilboa, and colleagues identified zonulin as a biomarker of GI permeability in children with MIS-C and present the results of an intriguing proof-of-concept study indicating that zonulin may represent a potential therapeutic target for MIS-C treatment and prevention. Their findings suggest that intestinal mucosal dysfunction and epithelial barrier breakdown may represent a biological mechanism underlying the development of MIS-C in SARS-CoV-2-infected children.
