Gastric pepsin and gastric mucin

Gastric pepsin and gastric mucin components constitute the primary biochemical environment of the stomach, balancing digestive efficiency with mucosal integrity (StatPearls, NBK537005). Pepsin is a potent aspartic protease secreted as the zymogen pepsinogen, which becomes active in the acidic environment of the stomach to initiate protein digestion (UniProt, P00790). Gastric mucins, primarily MUC5AC and MUC6, are large glycoproteins that form a viscoelastic gel layer protecting the underlying epithelium from the corrosive effects of acid and pepsin (StatPearls, NBK544242). In pathological states such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcers, this balance is disrupted, leading to pepsin-mediated damage of esophageal or gastric tissues (PubMed, 24054674). Therapeutic interventions often focus on neutralizing pepsin activity or reinforcing the mucin barrier using agents like alginates or sucralfate (PubChem, CID 6398). These treatments provide a physical or chemical shield that prevents the degradation of the host's protective mucus layer and promotes healing of the mucosa (PubMed, 11051347).

Other names

Gastric mucosal barrierPepsin-mucin systemGastric juice componentsPepsin AMUC5ACMUC6Gastric mucus-pepsin complex

Formation of a physical barrier (raft) to prevent reflux, inhibition of pepsin proteolytic activity, and coating of the gastric mucosa to enhance protection against acid and enzymatic degradation (PubMed, 11051347; PubChem, CID 6398).