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An Intravital Microscopy-Based Approach to Assess Intestinal Permeability and Epithelial Cell Shedding Performance
Published on: December 3, 2020
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Cytokines and intestinal epithelial permeability: A systematic review
Frédéric Meyer1, Daniel Wendling2, Céline Demougeot3
1Université de Franche-Comté, PEPITE EA4267, F-25000 Besançon, France; Department of rheumatology, University Hospital Besançon, F-25000 Besançon, France.
Autoimmunity Reviews
|April 8, 2023
Summary
Cytokines directly impact intestinal permeability, influencing gut barrier function in various diseases. Understanding these cytokine effects offers potential new therapeutic strategies for gut barrier dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The intestinal barrier maintains homeostasis by regulating nutrient absorption and preventing pathogen entry.
- Increased intestinal permeability is linked to chronic diseases, immune cell activation, and inflammation.
- Cytokines are key mediators influencing intestinal barrier integrity.
Approach:
- A systematic review of Medline, Cochrane, and Embase databases was conducted up to April 2022.
- 120 publications, including 89 in vitro and 44 in vivo studies, were analyzed.
- Data on study design, permeability assessment, interventions, and outcomes were collected.
Key Points:
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNFα), Interferon-gamma (IFNγ), and Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) commonly increase intestinal permeability via myosin light-chain pathways.
- Anti-TNFα therapy reduced intestinal permeability and improved clinical outcomes in inflammatory bowel diseases.
- Interleukin-10 (IL-10) decreased permeability in hyperpermeable states, while IL-17 and IL-23 showed conflicting effects.
Conclusions:
- Cytokines significantly and directly modulate intestinal permeability across various conditions.
- The immune microenvironment critically influences cytokine effects on the gut barrier.
- Elucidating these mechanisms may reveal novel therapeutic targets for gut barrier disorders.
