Damaged epithelial blockage due to chronic diseases

According to a recent study, approximately two billion chronic diseases can be detected for the same reason: a damaged epithelial barrier caused by environmental toxins and chemicals. The epithelium is the outermost cell layer of the skin, lungs and intestines – it provides inherent tissue protection from invaders such as bacteria, viruses, environmental toxins, pollutants and allergens. If this barrier is damaged, according to the study, chronic diseases such as allergies, autoimmune diseases as well as neurological and psychological complaints may develop.

Researchers at the Swiss Institute for Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) summarize the current state of knowledge about chronic diseases. To this end, the working group analyzed pioneering studies over the years. The results, which were recently published in the renowned specialist magazine “Nature Review Immunology“Suggest that damaged epithelial blockage is a common major cause of many chronic diseases.

What is the epithelial barrier hypothesis?

Over the past 20 years, the SIAF alone has written on 60 publications about how various substances damage the epithelium of various organs. The so-called epithelial barrier hypothesis is based on these and other research results. It states that many substances in the environment damage the epithelium, namely the protective layer of the skin, lungs, and intestines.

Possible disease due to weak epithelial barriers

If the obstruction of the skin or mucous membrane is weakened, pathogens or allergens move into the tissue and are localized, mostly chronic inflammation. For example, nearly two billion chronic diseases have a basis.

In addition, damage to the intestinal epithelium, including systemic autoimmune and metabolic diseases, is also suspected.

Explanations for increasing chronic diseases

As reported by SIAF director Sezmi Akdis, the epithelial barrier hypothesis also provides an explanation as to why autoimmune diseases and allergies have been on the rise for decades. Industrialization, urbanization, and Western lifestyles may have released a large number of toxins that negatively impact resistance to the epithelium. Proven harmful effects, for example, toxins such as

• Ozone,
• Nanoparticles,
• Microplastics,
• cleaning supplies,
• Pesticides,
• Enzyme,
• Emulsifier,
• particulate matter,
• Exhaust gases,
• cigarette smoke,
• Other chemicals in air, food and water.

Great danger to humanity

“In addition to global warming and virus epidemics such as COVID-19, these harmful substances represent one of the greatest threats to humanity,” warns Akids. According to the expert, local epithelial defects in the skin and mucous membranes can give rise to allergic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases and celiac disease.

Loss of barrier also leads to many other diseases that are characterized by changes in bacterial communities in the tissue. It may be that the immune system fights “good” bacteria. In the intestine, a leaky epithelial barrier in combination with flora of a disturbed intestine contributes to the spread and spread of chronic autoimmune and metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis. Ankylosing spondylitis.

Even the psyche is affected

In addition, there are neurodegenerative or mental illnesses such as Parkinson And Alzheimer’s Autism and chronic respectively depression The leaky epithelium is associated with obstructions. According to Akdis, inflammatory reactions and changes in the gut microbiome can trigger or worsen such diseases.

How can epithelial barrier be preserved?

“It is extremely important to continue research on epithelial barriers to better understand molecular mechanisms and develop new approaches to prevention, early intervention, and therapy,” emphasizes the director of the institute. New treatments are required, aimed at strengthening tissue-specific barriers, preventing the entry of bacteria, or colonization by pathogens.

Healthy food can protect the stomach microbiome

Akadis suggests that positively influencing the intestinal microbiome may be a strategy to protect oneself from the effects. A healthy diet is the basis for this. In addition, exposure to harmful substances should be avoided as far as possible. In the long run, less toxic products and manufacturing methods should be developed for this, which devotes Akdis. (vb)