Intestinal Permeability and Neuroinflammation: Physiopathological Connections

Abstract

The integrity of the intestinal barrier plays a crucial role in maintaining immune and metabolic homeostasis. Alterations in intestinal permeability, often described as “leaky gut”, allow the translocation of microorganisms and their products, such as lipopolysaccharides, into systemic circulation. This process induces chronic low-grade inflammation with repercussions on the central nervous system. Growing evidence indicates that intestinal barrier dysfunction is closely linked to neuroinflammation through microglial and astrocytic activation, as well as modulation of the blood-brain barrier. These interactions contribute to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, in addition to psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety. Therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring intestinal integrity—including probiotics, prebiotics, anti-inflammatory diets, and pharmacological modulators—have shown potential in mitigating neuroinflammation. Understanding the pathophysiological connections between intestinal permeability and neural inflammation may open new avenues for preventive and therapeutic approaches in complex neurological conditions.