Probiotics, Prebiotics and Epithelial Tight Junctions: A Promising Approach to Modulate Intestinal Barrier Function

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Intestinal epithelial barrier disruptions are linked to severe diseases, especially in preterm neonates.
• Barrier dysfunction often correlates with intestinal dysbiosis, indicating an interaction between the barrier and gut microbes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the effects of probiotics and prebiotics on intestinal barrier function.
• To explore the mechanisms by which these compounds influence epithelial and non-epithelial barrier components.

Main Methods:

• Review of in vitro and in vivo studies on probiotic and prebiotic effects.
• Analysis of mechanisms involving tight junction proteins and toll-like receptor signaling.
• Consideration of effects on the enteric glial cell network.

Main Results:

• Probiotics upregulate and relocalize interepithelial tight junction proteins, partly via toll-like receptor-2 stimulation.
• Prebiotics modulate the gut microbiota and may also directly impact barrier function independently of microbial changes.
• Both pro- and prebiotics influence non-epithelial barrier constituents like the enteric glial cell network.

Conclusions:

• Probiotics and prebiotics are effective in preserving and restoring intestinal barrier integrity.
• Understanding their mechanisms can optimize therapeutic strategies for gastrointestinal diseases.
• Further research is needed to fully harness the potential of these bioactive compounds.