Nutrient absorption and barrier function: two key aspects of gut health
The intestinal epithelium forms a barrier that allows the passage of nutrients, water and electrolytes but restricts the passage of allergens, toxins and pathogens. The selective permeability of the transcellular and paracellular pathways of the epithelium is the key element of this barrier function. In the transcellular pathway, nutrients first pass through the apical membrane and then the basolateral membrane of the absorptive cells, by simple diffusion and by means of transporter proteins. In this area, we study the transport of nutrients through the intestinal epithelium and its regulation by dietary components. We also study the contribution of the intestinal epithelium in the utilisation and metabolism of nutrients. The loss of epithelial barrier function, caused by the deterioration of the tight junctions, leads to an increase in the permeability of the paracellular pathway to elements of the intestinal contingent that trigger the inflammatory response. In this area, our research activity focuses on the study of the capacity of certain antioxidants and dietary components to protect epithelial barrier function.
Professor of Physiology, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona. Member of the Consolidated Research Group: LIBIFOOD-Lipids and bioactive compounds. Food chain and health (AGAUR, Generalitat de Catalunya, 2021 SGR 00854).
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Raquel Martín Venegas
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Adriana García Vara