Intestinal permeability, often colloquially termed “leaky gut,” is a physiological measure of the integrity of the tight junctions between the epithelial cells lining the gastrointestinal tract. When these junctions become compromised, the barrier function is diminished, allowing for the increased translocation of undigested food particles, microbial products, and toxins into the systemic circulation. This breach of the mucosal barrier is a significant driver of chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and can contribute to immune and endocrine dysregulation.
Origin
The scientific concept has its roots in gastroenterology and immunology, with research in the late 20th and early 21st centuries establishing the critical role of the gut barrier in modulating immune responses and systemic health. The identification of specific tight junction proteins provided a molecular basis for this clinical phenomenon.
Mechanism
The mechanism involves various factors, including dietary components, stress, and microbial imbalances, leading to the molecular disruption of tight junction proteins like zonulin and occludin. When the integrity of the epithelial layer is compromised, inflammatory mediators are released into the lamina propria, triggering an immune response that can affect distant organs. This chronic inflammation can directly interfere with hormonal signaling and metabolism, highlighting the gut’s profound influence on the endocrine system.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.