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By Dr. David Peterson, DC, FAAIM

The classic paradigm of autoimmune pathogenesis involving a specific genetic makeup or exposure to environmental triggers and events has been challenged by the addition of a new element: the loss of intestinal barrier function. New theories imply that once the autoimmune process is activated, it is not self-perpetuating. New theories also suggest autoimmune dysregulation can be modulated or even reversed by preventing the continuous interplay between genes and environment. New therapeutic strategies aimed at re-establishing healthy intestinal barrier variables will offer innovative approaches for the treatment of devastating autoimmune diseases.

The primary functions of the gastrointestinal tract have traditionally been perceived to be limited to the digestion and absorption of nutrients and electrolytes and the regulation of water homeostasis. However, a more extensive analysis of the anatomic and functional arrangement of the gastrointestinal tract suggests that there is another extremely important function of this system: the ability to regulate the trafficking of macromolecules between the environment and the body through the gastrointestinal barrier variables.

Autoimmune processes can be arrested if the interplay between genes and environmental triggers is prevented by re-establishing intestinal barrier function.

There is a constant state of balanced inflammation present in the gastrointestinal tract. This physiologic inflammation is essential for a healthy and mature immune system. It also assures the development of normal morphology of the intestinal mucosa. Gut-associated lymphoid tissue and the neuro-endocrine network work together with the intestinal barrier variables to control the equilibrium between tolerance and immunity to non-self antigens. When the finely-tuned trafficking of macromolecules is deregulated in genetically susceptible individuals, autoimmune disorders can occur. This new paradigm disagrees with traditional theories underlying the development of autoimmunity. It also suggests that the autoimmune process can be arrested if the interplay between genes and environmental triggers is prevented by re-establishing intestinal barrier function.

Understanding the role of the intestinal barrier variables in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal disease is currently receiving a great deal of research review by Dr. Peterson. This review is timely given the increased interest in the role of a 'leaky gut' as applied to the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases by integrative physicians. The advent of alternative treatment strategies, such as therapies which promote GI sequencing to restore gastrointestinal terrain and function, make Wellness Alternatives a leader in the field of immune regulation.