https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3177-563X
Figures & data
Figure 1. Changes in intestinal homeostasis under different conditions.
Left: A representation of a healthy gut where the intestinal epithelial cells are joined together with tight junction proteins and covered by thick mucus layers that do not allow commensal bacteria to make contact with intestinal epithelial cells. Normal commensal bacteria are free-living on the luminal surface of the mucus surface. Highly coordinated and well-governed paracellular permeability occurs. Middle: A representation of a diseased gut where there is disruption of the tight junction proteins and epithelial barrier integrity. Infiltration of the luminal microbiota into the lamina propria induces a pro-inflammatory signaling cascade that can lead to severe pathological outcomes. Right: A representation of a restored gut with a normal microbiota and gut barrier function. Intake of prebiotics and probiotics may augment gut integrity by replenishing the commensal bacteria and reducing inflammation.
