Disintegration of colonic epithelial tight junction in uremia: a likely cause of CKD-associated inflammation.

Abstract

Inflammation is a constant feature and a major mediator of the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its numerous complications. There is increasing evidence pointing to the impairment of intestinal barrier function and its contribution to the prevailing inflammation in advanced CKD. Under normal condition, the intestinal epithelium and its apical tight junction prevent entry of the luminal microorganisms, harmful microbial by-products and other noxious contents in the host's internal milieu. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that impaired intestinal barrier function in uremia must be due to disruption of the intestinal tight junction complex.