This describes a state where the gut (or intestine) becomes more permeable (leaky) than usual, potentially allowing bacteria or harmful substances to enter the body when they would normally be kept out.(1, 2) Under normal, healthy circumstances, the cells lining the gut are held together tightly by something called tight junctions (see image above), preventing most things that are foreign or nasty from crossing through the gut and into our body where they could cause inflammation or infection.(1, 2) This is why the gut forms such an important part of our bodys immune system, as it acts as a physical barrier and first line of defence from disease causing organisms like bacteria or viruses.(1, 2) Intestinal barrier dysfunction is known to occur in certain diseases, such as in inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis), coeliac disease and intestinal infections (think food poisoning).(3, 4) This is because these diseases or infections involve inflammation, which damages the cells that form the gut barrier
In addition to physiological changes that occur with aging, and also social risk factors, the elderly population is at a risk for protein malnutrition and vitamin deficiency
Ethosomal gel for improving transdermal delivery of thymosin -4
[DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] 6.Zeichner JA, Lebwohl MG, Menter A, et al
Johansen FE, Pekna M, Norderhaug IN et al (1999) Absence of epithelial immunoglobulin A transport, with increased mucosal leakiness, in polymeric immunoglobulin receptor/secretory component-deficient mice
