The human gastrointestinal tract (GI) harbors a diverse population of microbial life that
continually shapes host pathophysiological responses. Despite readily available abundant …

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic recurrent intestinal inflammatory disease characterized by
high incidence and young onset age. Recently, there have been some interesting findings in …

The intestinal barrier is complex and consists of multiple layers, and it provides a physical
and functional barrier to the transport of luminal contents to systemic circulation. While the …

The intestine plays an important role in nutrient digestion and absorption, microbe defense,
and hormone secretion. Although major cell types have been identified in the mouse …

Several minerals are required for life to exist. In animals, 7 elements (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Cl,
and S) are required to be present in the diet in fairly large amounts (grams to tens of grams …

Background. According to textbooks, the human gut mucosa measures 260–300 m2, that is,
in the order of a tennis court. However, the quantitative data are incomplete and sometimes …

Background & Aims The mucus layer in the human colon protects against commensal
bacteria and pathogens, and defects in its unique bilayered structure contribute to intestinal …

The multiple beneficial effects on human health of the short-chain fatty acid butyrate,
synthesized from non-absorbed carbohydrate by colonic microbiota, are well documented …

The intestinal epithelium is a single-cell layer that constitutes the largest and most important
barrier against the external environment. It acts as a selectively permeable barrier …

Highlights•Shared mechanisms within taxonomic groups go beyond strain-specific
effects.•Probiotic benefits may derive from mechanisms that are shared among strains.•A …