Targeting Zonulin and Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Function to Prevent Onset of Arthritis
This 2020 study elucidates the role of zonulin, a modulator of intestinal tight junctions, in the progression from autoimmunity to inflammatory arthritis. Elevated serum zonulin levels were observed in both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and individuals at risk, correlating with increased intestinal permeability and decreased expression of tight junction proteins