Mehr als nur ein bollwerk - Das darmepithel als integraler bestandteil der barriere und abwehrfunktion im darm

In developed countries there is a dramatic increase in the prevalence of inflammatory, atopic, and metabolic disorders. In the development of these chronic degenerative diseases the interaction of metabolism and the immune system are important factors. Crohn's disease and colitis ulcerosa are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Although the etiology is essentially unknown environment factors along with a genetic predisposition are crucial for the development of IBD. Epithelial cells of the gut, a monolayer which covers the entire surface of the intestinal mucosa, is not only understood as an inert and mechanical barrier between intestinal bacteria and the body but also an integral part of the intestinal immune response. Cellular stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation. The uncontrolled activation of cell death (apoptosis) leads to the loss of function of tissues and organs. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is involved in the regulation of stress on the cellular level. ER-related cellular stress plays a role not only in IBD but also in disease of civilization e.g. colorectal cancer and diabetes.