Title:Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction Participates in the Pathophysiology of Ischemic Stroke
Volume: 20
Issue: 5
Author(s): Minping Wei, Qin Huang, Zeyu Liu, Yunfang Luo and Jian Xia*
Affiliation:
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008,China
Keywords:
Intestinal barrier, ischemic stroke, gut microbiome, metabolite, immune response, treatment.
Abstract: The gastrointestinal tract is a major organ of the body that absorbs nutrients, water, and
electrolytes. At the same time, it is a tight barrier that resists the invasion of harmful substances
and maintains the homeostasis of the internal environment. Destruction of the intestinal barrier is
linked to the digestive system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system, and other systemic diseases.
Mounting evidence suggests that ischemic stroke not only changes the intestinal microbes but also
increases the permeability of the intestinal barrier, leading to bacterial translocation, infection,
and even sepsis. The intestinal barrier, as part of the gut-brain axis, has also been proven to participate
in the pathophysiological process of ischemic stroke. However, little attention has been paid to
it. Since ischemic stroke is a major public health issue worldwide, there is an urgent need to know
more about the disease for better prevention, treatment, and prognosis. Therefore, understanding
the pathophysiological relationship between ischemic stroke and the intestinal barrier will help researchers
further uncover the pathophysiological mechanisms of ischemic stroke and provide a novel
therapeutic target for the treatment of ischemic stroke. Here, we review the physiology and
pathology between ischemic stroke and intestinal barrier based on related articles published in the
past ten years about the relationship between ischemic stroke, stroke risk factors and intestinal flora,
and intestinal barrier. We further discuss the following parts: the intestinal barrier, possible
mechanisms of intestinal barrier destruction in ischemic stroke, intestinal barrier destruction caused
by stroke-related risk factors, intestinal barrier dysfunction in ischemic stroke, targeting the intestinal
barrier for improving stroke, conclusions and perspectives.