What is the Origin of Gut-Healing Peptides?

The concept stems from the identification of naturally occurring signaling peptides within the body that regulate mucosal growth, repair, and immune function. The clinical application involves synthesizing analogs or utilizing endogenous peptides to specifically target the epithelial layer of the digestive tract. This intervention is central to functional and integrative medicine approaches to chronic systemic inflammation.

What is the Mechanism of Gut-Healing Peptides?

Specific peptides, such as BPC-157 or L-Glutamine, function by stimulating angiogenesis, increasing epithelial cell proliferation, and enhancing the expression of tight junction proteins like zonulin and occludin. This cellular repair mechanism reduces the paracellular permeability of the gut wall, thereby limiting the translocation of microbial products and undigested antigens that can trigger systemic immune and inflammatory responses.

Gut-Healing Peptides ∞ Area

Gut-Healing Peptides

Meaning

Gut-healing peptides are short-chain amino acid compounds that exert specific therapeutic actions on the gastrointestinal mucosa, promoting structural integrity and reducing inflammatory processes. These molecules are clinically utilized to repair compromised intestinal barrier function, commonly referred to as “leaky gut.” Their primary role is to enhance the regeneration and maintenance of the tight junctions between enterocytes.