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Lab testing to assess: the integrity of the gut's mucosal barrier; antigen penetration; dysbiosis; leaky gut; malabsorption; dietary protein sensitivity; secretory IgA production; intestinal permeability; crypt hyperplasia; antibody response to: Candida, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and dietary proteins.

Available early April 2009 >Test BHD #309 - Intestinal Barrier Function Screen on Serum - IgG, IgM, IgA to: Combined dietary proteins (Wheat/gliadin, corn, soy, cow's milk, egg); aerobic bacteria (Escherichia coli and E. enterococcus); anaerobic bacteria (Bacteroides fragilis and Candida albicans.) $375

Optimal health is not possible without proper Intestinal Barrier function. Being on the front lines in defending the body, the mucosal layer, the extrinsic barrier, of the GI tract is exposed to a multitude of stressors, antigens, pathogens, imbalances of neurotransmitters, toxins and medications, and sometimes this barrage can weaken and break down the protective barrier. What follows the loss of mucosal immune tolerance is a cascade beginning with the formation of immune complexes and inflammatory cytokine responses. These abnormal levels of regulatory cytokine production such as in IL-10 and TGF-beta lead to enhanced intestinal permeability in which the tight junctions in the intrinsic barrier open and allow the passage of dietary proteins and peptides into the blood stream. Commonly known as leaky gut, enhanced gut permeability is the precursor to autoimmune disorders such as Type I Diabetes, RA, Lupus, MS and autoimmune hypothyroidism. It is also the pathway to neurologic dysfunction associated with gluten intolerance, Celiac disease, Autism and ADHD.

Interpretation

High levels of IgA in saliva against dietary proteins may indicate a mucosal immune dysregulation or a loss of tolerance to these antigens. Serum antibody response against dietary proteins, but not yeast or bacteria, indicates the loss of tolerance to ingested food proteins.

High levels of IgA in saliva against yeast may indicate a Candida Albicans overgrowth and possibly colonization of Candida in mucosal tissues. An overgrowth of either aerobic bacteria, or anaerobic bacteria, indicates an imbalanced glut flora. This condition may expose GALT (Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue) to many bacterial toxins resulting in dysregulation of the mucosal immune system. Serum antibody response against yeast and bacteria, but not dietary proteins, marks an intestinal flora imbalance.

If saliva IgA antibodies against dietary protein, yeast, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria are elevated simultaneously, it is an indication of severe loss of intestinal immune tolerance to all antigens present on a daily basis. This severe loss of immune tolerance may result in gut barrier dysfunction or leaky gut syndrome.

High antibody response in serum against all categories is an indication of intestinal barrier dysfunction against large antigenic molecules. The probability of autoimmunity must be considered. Low antibody response against all categories is an indication of mucosal immune deficiency.

Your First-Line Immune Defense

The mucosal barrier—

your first-line immune defense—

Mucosal barrier refers to all of the mucous membranes that comprise the primary interface between the external environment and the internal environment of the body. This mucosal barrier lets beneficial things into your general circulation and keeps harmful ones out.

To clarify this, an analogy can be made between the earth’s ozone layer and your body’s mucosal barriers. The ozone layer lets the right amount of sunlight through, sustaining life on earth; your mucosal barriers allow nutrients through, sustaining your health. The ozone layer prevents harmful radiation from getting through; the mucosal barriers prevent infectious agents and allergens from invading your body. But just as our planet has a damaged ozone layer, many of us have damaged mucosal barriers. Consequently, we are not protected from harmful substances such as parasites, viruses, and bacteria.

No disease or symptom needs to be present to warrant protecting the mucosal barrier of the intestines; keeping it healthy helps to keep us strong and disease-resistant. Strengthening the gut lining is applicable to relieving and avoiding the impacts of asthma, arthritis, food allergies, ulcers, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, autoimmune diseases, alcoholism, chronic fatigue, joint pain, migraines, diarrhea, parasitic infections, dysbiosis, candidiasis, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes, all of which can have their origin in harmful substances penetrating through the intestines.

Intestinal Leaks Screening

A new generation of testing for intestinal permeability or “leaky gut” is now available. This scientifically advanced assessment takes into consideration the individual patient’s immune system response to proteins and peptides (macromolecules) which, upon entry into the bloodstream, can challenge the immune system resulting in IgG, IgA and IgM antibody production against them. In healthy, normal intestinal immune conditions, antigens are passed through the lumen into circulation, and for many people this common event does not evoke an overreaction in the systemic response. However, for susceptible persons even this passage of antigens can erupt into the beginning of a neuroautoimmune disorder.