Editorial
Copyright ©2010 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Nov 14, 2010; 16(42): 5272-5279
Published online Nov 14, 2010. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i42.5272
Non-invasive markers of gut wall integrity in health and disease
Joep PM Derikx, Misha DP Luyer, Erik Heineman, Wim A Buurman
Joep PM Derikx, Misha DP Luyer, Erik Heineman, Wim A Buurman, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Maastricht & Nutrition and Toxicology Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
Joep PM Derikx, Misha DP Luyer, Department of Surgery, Orbis Medical Centre Sittard, 6162 BG, The Netherlands
Erik Heineman, Department of Surgery, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9713 GZ, The Netherlands
Author contributions: Derikx JPM, Luyer MDP, Heineman E and Buurman WA contributed to this paper.
Supported by Grants from AGIKO-stipendium 920-03-271 (to Luyer MDP) and 920-03-438 (to Derikx JPM) from the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development
Correspondence to: Joep PM Derikx, PhD, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Maastricht & Nutrition and Toxicology Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands. j.derikx@ah.unimaas.nl
Telephone: +31-43-3881499 Fax: +31-43-3884154
Received: April 15, 2010
Revised: June 2, 2010
Accepted: June 9, 2010
Published online: November 14, 2010
Abstract

The intestinal mucosa is responsible for the absorption of nutrients from the lumen and for the separation of the potentially toxic luminal content (external environment) from the host (internal environment). Disruption of this delicate balance at the mucosal interface is the basis for numerous (intestinal) diseases. Experimental animal studies have shown that gut wall integrity loss is involved in the development of various inflammatory syndromes, including post-operative or post-traumatic systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, and multiple organ failure. Assessment of gut wall integrity in clinical practice is still a challenge, as it is difficult to evaluate the condition of the gut non-invasively with currently available diagnostic tools. Moreover, non-invasive, rapid diagnostic means to assess intestinal condition are needed to evaluate the effects of treatment of intestinal disorders. This review provides a survey of non-invasive tests and newly identified markers that can be used to assess gut wall integrity.

Keywords: Intestinal damage; Markers; Human; Gut wall integrity