Gastrointestinal Barrier Function Linked to Metabolic Disorders [06.12.16]
Many metabolic disorders are influenced by pathological changes in the intestinal barrier. A new lead study by researchers at the University of Hohenheim reported that gastrointestinal permeability increased in obesity is linked with liver steatosis and can also be a suitable target for therapeutic approach.
Source: Medical News Bulletin, http://www.medicalnewsbulletin.com/gastrointestinal-barrier-function-linked-metabolic-disorders/
Any change in the intestinal barrier usually results in enhanced translocation of commensal intestinal bacteria or bacterial products via the portal vein, to the liver, and finally to the systemic level leading to enhancement of inflammatory cells leading to the onset of gastrointestinal disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastrointestinal infections. Metabolic disorders such as obesity, liver disease, and insulin resistance have also been found to be linked with impairments in the intestinal barrier. A research study was carried by Machado and co-scientists of the Department of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany for understanding the permeability changes in the intestinal barrier associated with obesity or with associated metabolic diseases or both. They also looked at if these permeability changes were reversible when the weight is reduced. The findings of the study were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition on November 9, 2016.
More about the findings you can find here.
