Regulation of the intestinal barrier by nutrients: The role of tight junctions

Anim Sci J. 2020 Jan-Dec;91(1):e13357. doi: 10.1111/asj.13357.

Abstract

Tight junctions (TJs) play an important role in intestinal barrier function. TJs in intestinal epithelial cells are composed of different junctional molecules, such as claudin and occludin, and regulate the paracellular permeability of water, ions, and macromolecules in adjacent cells. One of the most important roles of the TJ structure is to provide a physical barrier to luminal inflammatory molecules. Impaired integrity and structure of the TJ barrier result in a forcible activation of immune cells and chronic inflammation in different tissues. According to recent studies, the intestinal TJ barrier could be regulated, as a potential target, by dietary factors to prevent and reduce different inflammatory disorders, although the precise mechanisms underlying the dietary regulation remain unclear. This review summarizes currently available information on the regulation of the intestinal TJ barrier by food components.

Keywords: intestinal barrier; intestinal permeability; nutrient; tight junction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
  • Animals
  • Body Water / metabolism
  • Claudins / metabolism
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Food*
  • Inflammation
  • Intestines / cytology*
  • Intestines / immunology
  • Intestines / physiology*
  • Nutrients*
  • Permeability
  • Tight Junctions / immunology
  • Tight Junctions / physiology*

Substances

  • Claudins