Zonulin is a protein synthesised in intestinal and liver cells that reversibly regulates intestinal permeability. High levels of zonulin have been associated with intestinal permeability as it induces the breakdown of the tight junctions between epithelial cells. The impairment and loss of tight junctions increases intestinal permeability and allows polypeptides and macromolecules to pass between epithelial cells into the lamina propria layer of the gut wall. This can induce an antigen response and promote proinflammatory cytokine production in the enteric immune system. This test is useful for Coeliac Disease, Non-Coealiac Gluten Sensitivity, Type-1 Diabetes, Insulin Resistance, Glucose Intolerance, Juvenile Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, MS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Asthma, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Irritable Bowel Disease, inflammation, food intolerance and gastrointestinal symptoms. Zonulin is the only regulator of intestinal permeability known to be reversible so is an excellent tool for monitoring clinical and therapeutic interventions.
