Gastroduodenal mucosal defense

Purpose of review: To review recent developments in the field of gastroduodenal mucosal defense. Recent findings: Research in the field of gastroduodenal mucosal defense has focused on continued elucidation of molecular mechanisms that protect the mucosa and influence healing at the cellular level. Review of literature over the past year reveals that familiar proteins and mediators, such as nitric oxide, toll-like receptors, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing proteins (NOD2), β-defensins, macrophages, dendritic cells, mucins, autophagy, and the influence of aging and diet, are still subjects of study, but also brings into light new processes and mediators, such as dual oxidases, defense against radiation injuries, and novel proteins such as ZBP-89. Summary: These new published findings contribute to our overall understanding of gastroduodenal defense and suggest innovative avenues of future research and possible novel therapeutic targets.
Source: Current Opinion in Gastroenterology - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: STOMACH AND DUODENUM: Edited by Mitchell L. Schubert Source Type: research