Home - Epithelial Barrier Theory

The Epithelial Barrier Theory is a comprehensive explanation for the global, epidemic-level rise in chronic health conditions over the past 65 years. The theory, postulated by Akdis, proposes that exposure to toxic substances introduced by industrialization and modern lifestyle changes disrupts the epithelial barrier of the skin, upper and lower airways, and gut mucosa and causes microbial dysbiosis triggering an inflammatory immune response that can initiate or aggravate more than 70 chronic inflammatory diseases. The Epithelial Barrier Theory includes the ONE HEALTH concept with the strong veterinary medicine involvement of pets and domestic animals.

Epithelial Barrier Theory in Lectures

The epithelial barrier theory and its associated diseases
‍

Sun N, Ogulur I, Mitamura Y, et al.

Epithelial barrier dysfunction and associated diseases in companion animals: Differences and similarities between humans and animals and research needs

Ardicli S, Ardicli O, Yazici D, et al.

Epithelial barrier theory in the context of nutrition and environmental exposure in athletes

Kistler W, Villiger M, Villiger B, et al.

Latest Publications

Polyethylene Terephthalate Micro and Nanoplastics Induce Oxidative and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, Compromising Intestinal Epithelial Integrity and Viability

S.Ardicli, H.Babayev, L.Chang, et al.,

The results delineate the multifaceted nature of microplastic-induced cellular damage, represented by diminished epithelial barrier function, decreased cell viability, and widespread transcriptional shifts converging on oxidative stress, ER stress, and programmed cell death pathways. These in vitro observations contribute to the body of evidence concerning the potential molecular mechanisms of microplastic ingestion on human health. The findings support the continued evaluation and scrutiny of permissible microplastic thresholds in food and water, particularly in the context of increasing global plastic production. Additional in vivo and dose–response studies will be critical for extrapolating these findings and refining our understanding of how microplastics manifest toxicity within the human gastrointestinal tract. Ultimately, our findings illustrate the sensitivity of the intestinal epithelium as a primary target for ingested pollutants and toxic substances.

Laundry Detergents Enhance Sensitization to Co-Inhaled Allergens and Exacerbate Airway Inflammation in Mice

N. Nagano, M. Tamari, H. Yamamoto, et al.,

Laundry detergents promote sensitization to co-inhaled allergens and exacerbate eosinophilic airway inflammation and antigen-specific IgE responses via IL-33 and IL-13. These findings suggest that detergents can act as adjuvants that facilitate airway sensitization.

Lectures

Epithelial Barrier Theory in 9 Lectures

Publications

Key publications

Public Information

Redefining Toxicity and Clean

Latest Videos

How to avoid toxic substances, emulsifiers and food additives?

Epithelial Barrier Theory: The Development of Allergic, Autoimmune and Many Chronic Inflammatory Diseases

Micro- and Nanoplastics - Part 7

Explore more Videos

The Epithelial Barrier Theory is a comprehensive explanation for the global, epidemic-level rise in chronic health conditions over the past 65 years. The theory, postulated by Akdis, proposes that exposure to toxic substances introduced by industrialization and modern lifestyle changes disrupts the epithelial barrier of the skin, upper and lower airways, and gut mucosa and causes microbial dysbiosis triggering an inflammatory immune response that can initiate or aggravate many chronic inflammatory diseases.

All rights reserved.