The role of mucoprotectants in the management of gastrointestinal disorders

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The intestinal barrier controls the absorption of nutrients and water whilst helping to prevent the entry of toxins and pathogenic micro-organisms from the lumen into the tissues. Deficiencies in the barrier are associated with various gastrointestinal and extra digestive disorders.

Areas covered: This review provides an overview of the relationship between increased intestinal permeability and disease, and considers the role of mucosal protectants (mucoprotectants) in restoring normal intestinal barrier function, with a particular focus on diarrheal disorders.

Expert commentary: Impairment of the intestinal barrier characterizes a variety of diseases, and there is ongoing interest in the development of pharmacological approaches targeting the reduction of intestinal permeability. These include corticosteroids, aminosalicylates and anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), which act by reducing inflammation; probiotics, which modulate the production of mucin and epithelial tight junction proteins; and mucoprotectants, which form a protective film over the epithelium. Recently, preclinical and clinical data highlight, the ability of new mucoprotectants, such as gelatin tannate and xyloglucan, to protect the intestinal mucosa and to exert anti-diarrheal effects. In the future the ability of these substances to enhance the intestinal barrier may extend their use in the management of a variety of gastro-intestinal diseases associated with ‘leaky gut’.

KEYWORDS:

• Gelatin tannate
• intestinal barrier
• mucoprotectant
• mucosal protectors
• tight junctions
• xyloglucan

Acknowledgment

The authors acknowledge the animal facility EZOP infrastructure for animal care and animal studies. Editorial assistance was provided by Content Ed Net.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed

Additional information

Funding

Funding was provided from Noventure S.L for the editorial assistance provided by Content Ed Net.