Scientific Glossary

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The mucosal barrier consists of multiple layers: an outer mucus gel layer (from goblet cells), a single layer of epithelial cells connected by tight junctions, and an underlying immune cell-rich lamina propria. The gut mucosal barrier is particularly critical — a 1-cell-thick layer separating gut contents from systemic circulation. Disruption ("leaky gut" / increased intestinal permeability) allows bacterial products (LPS) to enter circulation, triggering inflammation. BPC-157 is extensively studied for mucosal barrier restoration in animal models of colitis, NSAID damage, and alcohol injury.