
Can the Immune System Worsen the Causes of Leaky Gut Syndrome?
Leaky gut syndrome refers to an intestinal condition that occurs when the integrity of the mucous membrane is lost. It causes leakage of the contents from the lumen of the intestine into the blood. The barrier functions performed by the mucosa of the intestine are also affected. There are various causes of leaky gut syndrome including immunological dysfunctions.
The immune system plays a role in causing and worsening the damage to the mucosa. As a result, the tight barrier controlling what can or can not get absorbed from the intestine into the bloodstream is hampered.
An unhealthy mucosal lining may also lead to the creation of large holes or cracks allowing toxins, infective pathogens, and partially digested foods to enter the blood. Hence, it is important to identify the underlying immunological causes of leaky gut syndrome and correct them to avoid complications.
One of the characteristic features of leaky gut syndrome is the increased intestinal permeability. It occurs when the damage to the intestinal lining due to inflammation results in the formation of gaps or holes through which undesirable particles can enter the bloodstream.
Research studies have revealed that the intestinal epithelial barrier together with the neuroendocrine network and lymphoid tissues helps to control the equilibrium between immunity or tolerance to the non-self-antigens or foreign bodies.
These immunological causes of leaky gut syndrome are characterized by the loss of function due to tissue damage linked to the immune response directed against the specific organ.
Research studies have suggested that the risk of leaky gut syndrome is higher in patients who suffer from autoimmune disorders. It is believed to occur due to the failure of the immune cells to identify the intestinal lining as the body’s own tissues. As a result, these cells consider the lining as an invader or a harmful foreign body and attack it.
This leads to considerable damage to the mucosa of the gut thus affecting the functions of the intestinal barrier.
Hence, there is a need to correct the immunological abnormalities so that the common underlying causes of leaky gut syndrome could be prevented.
What is the role of the immune system in triggering the causes of leaky gut syndrome?
Increases intestinal permeability
One of the characteristic features of leaky gut syndrome is the increased intestinal permeability. It occurs when the damage to the intestinal lining due to inflammation results in the formation of gaps or holes through which undesirable particles can enter the bloodstream. These changes in the intestinal mucosa are linked to immunological dysfunctions. Abnormal functioning of the immune cells causes excessive production of pro-inflammatory substances such as cytokines and interleukins. These substances damage the intestinal lining thereby triggering the pathogenesis and causes of leaky gut syndrome. Also, the healthy intestinal barrier includes not just the epithelial lining of the gut. The mucus produced by the inner lining, as well as the body’s immune defenses, plays a role in maintaining the structural integrity of the mucosa. Immunological dysfunctions can affect their protective functions and cause an increase in epithelial permeability. The role of inflammation and immunological dysfunctions in the development of leaky gut syndrome necessitates taking steps to improve the immune system functions to reduce the symptoms of this disease.Autoimmune response
