Recent advances in the epithelial barrier theory
The epithelial barrier theory links the recent rise in chronic non-communicable diseases, notably autoimmune and allergic disorders, to environmental agents disrupting the epithelial barrier. Global pollution and environmental toxic agent exposure have worsened over six decades because of uncontroll...
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| Published in: | International immunology Vol. 36; no. 5; pp. 211 - 222 |
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , |
| Format: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
UK
Oxford University Press
03.04.2024
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| Subjects: | |
| ISSN: | 1460-2377, 1460-2377 |
| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | The epithelial barrier theory links the recent rise in chronic non-communicable diseases, notably autoimmune and allergic disorders, to environmental agents disrupting the epithelial barrier. Global pollution and environmental toxic agent exposure have worsened over six decades because of uncontrolled growth, modernization, and industrialization, affecting human health. Introducing new chemicals without any reasonable control of their health effects through these years has led to documented adverse effects, especially on the skin and mucosal epithelial barriers. These substances, such as particulate matter, detergents, surfactants, food emulsifiers, micro- and nano-plastics, diesel exhaust, cigarette smoke, and ozone, have been shown to compromise the epithelial barrier integrity. This disruption is linked to the opening of the tight-junction barriers, inflammation, cell death, oxidative stress, and metabolic regulation. Consideration must be given to the interplay of toxic substances, underlying inflammatory diseases, and medications, especially in affected tissues. This review article discusses the detrimental effect of environmental barrier-damaging compounds on human health and involves cellular and molecular mechanisms.
Effects of environmental toxins on epithelial barrier functions
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| Bibliography: | ObjectType-Article-2 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-3 content type line 23 ObjectType-Review-1 |
| ISSN: | 1460-2377 1460-2377 |
| DOI: | 10.1093/intimm/dxae002 |