Intestinal barrier function

Strengthening the Intestinal Barrier to Improve Surgical Outcomes

The gut plays a central role in maintaining health by balancing nutrient absorption, barrier function, immune defense, and interactions with the gut microbiome. In surgical patients, this delicate balance is often disrupted, leading to complications that can severely affect recovery and long-term outcomes. Our research focuses on improving gut homeostasis and resilience by integrating fundamental, translational, and clinical approaches.

By analyzing intestinal tissues collected during surgery and applying advanced experimental models such as human organoids, we investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie compromised gut integrity. A central focus is understanding how host, microbial, and nutritional factors interact in conditions that disrupt intestinal barrier function and trigger inflammation. We specifically study intestinal ischemia and anastomotic leakage, two clinically relevant conditions that, despite different origins, share common pathways of barrier loss, immune activation, and impaired tissue repair. Using state-of-the-art omics technologies, we identify promising therapeutic targets and test them in organoid systems that closely mimic the human intestine.

In parallel, we work on identifying and validating biomarkers that can signal intestinal dysfunction at an early stage. These insights not only improve diagnostic and monitoring tools in clinical practice but also expand our understanding of how impaired gut function contributes to systemic disturbances such as cachexia and other chronic conditions in surgical patients. By bridging discovery with application, our work contributes directly to the development of better therapies and diagnostics, aiming to improve patient outcomes and overall gut health.