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Gut Permeability Markers

Meaning

Gut permeability markers are specific measurable substances found in the blood or urine that indicate a compromised integrity of the intestinal barrier, often referred to clinically as “leaky gut.” When the tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells become dysfunctional, these markers leak from the gut lumen into the systemic circulation. Key examples include Zonulin, a protein that regulates tight junction function, and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of Gram-negative bacterial cell walls. Elevated levels of these markers suggest increased intestinal permeability, which is clinically associated with systemic inflammation and may contribute to autoimmune and endocrine disorders.