Frontiers in Pharmacology (May 2025)
Mucoprotectants and gut barrier: mechanisms of action and clinical applications in IBS. Is there a possible role?
- Francesco Rettura,
- Francesco Rettura,
- Francesco Rettura,
- Christian Lambiase,
- Christian Lambiase,
- Riccardo Tedeschi,
- Riccardo Tedeschi,
- Antonio Grosso,
- Antonio Grosso,
- Lorenzo Cancelli,
- Lorenzo Cancelli,
- Angelo Ricchiuti,
- Angelo Ricchiuti,
- Andrea Bottari,
- Andrea Bottari,
- Luca Giacomelli,
- Nicola de Bortoli,
- Nicola de Bortoli,
- Massimo Bellini,
- Massimo Bellini
Affiliations
- Francesco Rettura
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Francesco Rettura
- Regional Center for Functional and Motility Digestive Disorders, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Francesco Rettura
- Gastroenterology Unit, Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, Italy
- Christian Lambiase
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Christian Lambiase
- Regional Center for Functional and Motility Digestive Disorders, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Riccardo Tedeschi
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Riccardo Tedeschi
- Regional Center for Functional and Motility Digestive Disorders, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Antonio Grosso
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Antonio Grosso
- Regional Center for Functional and Motility Digestive Disorders, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Lorenzo Cancelli
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Lorenzo Cancelli
- Regional Center for Functional and Motility Digestive Disorders, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Angelo Ricchiuti
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Angelo Ricchiuti
- Regional Center for Functional and Motility Digestive Disorders, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Andrea Bottari
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Andrea Bottari
- Regional Center for Functional and Motility Digestive Disorders, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Luca Giacomelli
- Polistudium SRL, Milan, Italy
- Nicola de Bortoli
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Nicola de Bortoli
- Regional Center for Functional and Motility Digestive Disorders, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Massimo Bellini
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Massimo Bellini
- Regional Center for Functional and Motility Digestive Disorders, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2025.1538791
- Journal volume & issue
-
Vol. 16
Abstract
Impaired gut barrier function plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), particularly in IBS with diarrhea. Mucoprotectants, such as xyloglucan, gelatin tannate and pea protein tannins, offer a novel therapeutic approach by restoring intestinal permeability and reducing inflammation. This review assesses preclinical and clinical evidence supporting mucoprotectants in IBS with diarrhea management. Preclinical studies indicate their efficacy in reducing intestinal permeability and inflammation, while clinical trials demonstrate improvements in stool consistency, abdominal pain and bloating. Despite these promising results, comparative studies are needed to establish the superiority of specific mucoprotectants and their optimal use in clinical practice.
Keywords
