Effect of heavy metals on gut barrier integrity and gut microbiota

Exposure to environmental pollutants such as heavy metals lead to significant damage in intestinal epithelial barrier, loss of microbial and immune homeostasis. The intestinal epithelial barrier protects and regulates the responses against several endogenous and exogenous factors including inflammatory cytokines, pathogens, toxins, and pollutants. Intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation and microbial dysbiosis are associated with several gastro-intestinal (GI)-related disorders including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The mechanisms and consequences of exposure of environmental toxins on gut barrier function and mucosal immune system are not fully understood. This review explores some of the recent findings of heavy metals and their effect on intestinal barrier function, microbiota, and their contributions to human health and pathogenesis of GI-related disorders such as IBD.