The epithelial barrier theory and its associated diseases

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Immunology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Chronic noncommunicable diseases have increased significantly over six decades, coinciding with the introduction of numerous new chemical substances.
• The epithelial barrier theory proposes that functional impairment of epithelial barriers, triggered by chemical toxicity, drives disease onset and exacerbation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of diseases explained by the epithelial barrier theory.
• To discuss shared epidemiological, genetic, and pathophysiological features of these diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on diseases associated with epithelial barrier dysfunction.
• Analysis of epidemiological trends, genetic susceptibility, and molecular mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Diseases under this theory share common traits: increased prevalence post-1960s/2000s, epithelial barrier defects, microbial dysbiosis, and inflammation.
• Diverse diseases exhibiting these criteria are increasingly presenting as multimorbidities.

Conclusions:

• The epithelial barrier theory offers a unifying framework for understanding the rise of numerous chronic diseases.
• Further research into epithelial barrier integrity, microbial interactions, and inflammation is crucial for disease prevention and treatment.