What is the Origin of Digestive Tract Permeability?

The concept emerged from gastroenterology and immunology research, recognizing the intestinal barrier as a major interface between the external environment and the internal milieu. Scientific study of tight junction proteins, such as zonulin, provided a measurable biological basis for this physiological state.

What is the Mechanism of Digestive Tract Permeability?

Elevated permeability results in the systemic exposure of the immune system to antigens, triggering a chronic, low-grade inflammatory response. This inflammation can interfere with hormone receptor sensitivity, alter hepatic clearance of hormones, and dysregulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, demonstrating a clear link between gut health and endocrine homeostasis.

Digestive Tract Permeability ∞ Area

Digestive Tract Permeability

Meaning

Digestive Tract Permeability, often colloquially termed “leaky gut,” refers to the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier, specifically the tightness of the tight junctions between epithelial cells lining the digestive tract. An increase in permeability allows larger, undigested macromolecules, toxins, and microbial products to pass into the systemic circulation, a phenomenon known as translocation. This breach of barrier function is a critical factor in the initiation of systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation, which are known to directly impact endocrine axes.