Gastro intestinal hyperpermeability: a review

Abstract

Objective: To present a wide overview of the recent developments in the understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of gastrointestinal hyperpermeability.

Data sources: Medline, from 1985, was sourced for relevant articles. Review articles were included in order to minimise the number of references in the reference list.

Study selection: Results from experiments and observations on humans and other mammalian species were studied.

Data synthesis: The major mechanisms elucidated in the aetiopathogenesis of the gastrointestinal hyperpermeability were integrated and consolidated into a flow diagram and the major factors responsible for normal permeability presented for comparison.

Conclusion: The occurrence of increased gastrointestinal hyperpermeability is probably vastly underestimated. In addition to the hyperpermeability commonly associated with chronic gastro intestinal disorders, an increase in gastrointestinal permeability may occur in any condition of metabolic depletion, enterocyte ATP-depletion, stimulation of gastrointestinal pro-inflammatory cytokine production and disturbances of the normal gastrointestinal flora as with prolonged use of antibiotics.