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Clinical Implications of Basic Research
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Volume 359:756-759 August 14, 2008 Number 7
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Harnessing the Power of Bacteria to Protect the Gut
Maria T. Abreu, M.D.

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The small intestine is a lush, dynamic organ with a big job to do. Its villi and microvilli provide a platform for nutrient absorption, but at the same time, the epithelium and its associated immune cells must keep out pathogens that escape the inhospitable environment of the stomach. Perhaps as a means to satisfy these responsibilities, small intestinal epithelial cells divide very rapidly — at a rate of 13 to 16 cells per hour.

Ionizing radiation and chemotherapy take a particular toll on the intestine and induce apoptosis of stem cells that replenish the villus (Figure 1). In . . . [Full Text of this Article]



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