Review
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World J Gastroenterol. Mar 7, 2010; 16(9): 1057-1062
Published online Mar 7, 2010. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i9.1057
Even low-grade inflammation impacts on small intestinal function
Katri Peuhkuri, Heikki Vapaatalo, Riitta Korpela
Katri Peuhkuri, Heikki Vapaatalo, Riitta Korpela, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Helsinki, Pharmacology, PO Box 63, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
Katri Peuhkuri, Netnut Nutrition Information Services Company, Joupinmäensyrjä 11 C, FI-02760 Espoo, Finland
Riitta Korpela, Valio Research Centre, PO Box 30, FI-00039 Helsinki, Finland
Author contributions: Peuhkuri K, Vapaatalo H and Korpela R contributed equally to this paper.
Correspondence to: Riitta Korpela, Professor, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Helsinki, Pharmacology, PO Box 63, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland. riitta.korpela@helsinki.fi
Telephone: +358-10-3813026 Fax: +358-9-19125364
Received: October 26, 2009
Revised: December 17, 2009
Accepted: December 24, 2009
Published online: March 7, 2010
Abstract

Independent of the cause and location, inflammation - even when minimal - has clear effects on gastrointestinal morphology and function. These result in altered digestion, absorption and barrier function. There is evidence of reduced villus height and crypt depth, increased permeability, as well as altered sugar and peptide absorption in the small intestine after induction of inflammation in experimental models, which is supported by some clinical data. Identification of inflammatory factors which may promote the process of gastrointestinal dysfunction as well as clinical research to verify experimental observations of inflammatory modulation of gastrointestinal function are required. Moreover, nutritional strategies to support functional restitution are needed.

Keywords: Small intestine; Digestion; Absorption; Motility; Permeability; Low-grade inflammation; Cytokines