Gut permeability, often clinically referred to as “leaky gut,” describes the degree to which the intestinal barrier allows substances to pass from the gut lumen into the underlying bloodstream and tissues. While a certain degree of permeability is necessary for the absorption of nutrients, abnormally increased gut permeability allows larger, potentially immunogenic molecules and bacterial products to cross the barrier. This disruption is a key factor implicated in systemic inflammation, autoimmune processes, and various endocrine dysregulations.
Origin
The term is a compound of “gut,” the intestinal tract, and “permeability,” derived from the Latin permeare, meaning to pass through. It is a functional measure of the integrity of the intestinal epithelial lining, a concept that has gained significant attention in modern clinical practice.
Mechanism
The mechanism of increased permeability involves the dysregulation or degradation of the tight junction proteins that hold the epithelial cells together. Factors such as chronic stress, certain medications, specific dietary components, and microbial imbalance (dysbiosis) can signal the breakdown of these junctions. This structural compromise allows for the translocation of bacterial products, like lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which can activate inflammatory pathways systemically and interfere with hormonal signaling.
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