Similar and Distinct Mechanisms in the Protective Processes of Upper and Lower Gastrointestinal Tract

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal integrity is based on the balance of aggressive and protective mechanisms. Mucosal damage may occur when the injurious factors become dominant or the mucosal defensive processes are impaired. The main target of the therapy against GI mucosal injury is the reduction of aggressive factors, however, the therapeutic possibilities for stimulation of mucosal defensive processes are rather limited. This overview focuses on the gastric and intestinal mucosal protective mechanisms and discusses the main targets that increase protective processes and increase the mucosal resistance to injurious stimuli at pre-epithelial, epithelial and sub-epithelial levels.