zonulin (feces)

General Information

Determination of zonulin in feces is an important research in the diagnostics of diseases with impaired intestinal permeability.

Zonulin is a protein that is synthesized in the liver and epithelial tissue and forms intercellular connections in the superficial epithelial layer of the intestinal wall.

Zonulin is a tight junction protein. An increase in its amount in feces indicates an increase in the permeability of the intestinal wall. Inflammatory changes in the intestinal wall, which lead to increased permeability, may be caused by such pathologies as:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Celiac disease
• Obesity
• Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases
• Autoimmune diseases (including Crohn's disease, type 1 diabetes)

The increase of zonulin in the feces is followed by the increase of its concentration in the serum. Cell receptors for zonulin are present on the cell membrane of large and small intestine, heart and brain. The stimulating mechanism of zonulin release from the intestinal mucosa is the interaction of gliadin fragments with the intestinal epithelium, as a result of which these particles adhere to the intestinal cells and the production of autoantibodies against the formed conglomerates begins. The chronic inflammatory process further damages the intestinal wall structure and causes further increase in intestinal permeability. Polypeptides and large molecules easily pass the intestinal barrier, which leads to the activation of the immune system and the development of an immune response.

When is the survey conducted?

Celiac disease

Type I diabetes

Diagnosis of intestinal inflammatory conditions

Obesity

Insulin resistance

Material for examination: Feces

Reference boundaries

< 145 ng/g