Cellular Tight Junctions as Mediators of Adverse Effects

摘要: Tight junctions are highly complicated and finely regulated structures that provide for the barrier exchange functions of epithelia endothelia at interface between internal organs external environment, therefore frequently exposed to noxious stimuli. Recent evidence points epithelial endothelial dysfunction, resulting from changes in structure tight junctions, as an important early toxic event, preceding more severe damage cells. Increased junction permeability has also been implicated pathogenesis several multifactorial diseases, involving exaggerated inflammatory response. Some examples alterations occurring after exposure stimuli, including ethanol, heavy metals oxidative stress, will be discussed detail. In addition, implications dysfunction pathological conditions hereditary disorders proteins, cancers, microbial infections, bowel disease, multiple sclerosis coeliac disease presented. Keywords: claudins; occludin; ethanol; metals; inflammation; epithelium; endothelium; toxicity; permeability; microbial pathogens