Mucosal repair

Mucosal repair, often referred to as mucosal healing, is a complex physiological process involving the restoration of the epithelial barrier and underlying tissue integrity following injury (Neurath, M. F., 2014, Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology). It is characterized by three distinct phases: epithelial restitution (migration of cells to cover denuded areas), cell proliferation, and tissue remodeling (Iizuka, M., & Konno, S., 2011, World Journal of Gastroenterology). In the context of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), achieving mucosal repair is a primary therapeutic goal as it correlates with long-term clinical remission and a reduced need for hospitalization or surgery (Turner, D., et al., 2021, Gastroenterology). While not a single molecular target, the process is regulated by various factors including Trefoil Factor 3 (TFF3), Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta), and Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) (Sturm, A., & Dignass, A. U., 2008, World Journal of Gastroenterology). Pharmacological agents such as TNF-alpha inhibitors (e.g., Infliximab) and integrin antagonists (e.g., Vedolizumab) facilitate mucosal repair by suppressing the chronic inflammation that otherwise impairs the body's natural regenerative capacity (Peyrin-Biroulet, L., et al., 2011, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy).

Other names

Mucosal healingEpithelial restitutionGastrointestinal wound healingIntestinal wound healing

Mucosal repair is promoted by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (e.g., TNF-alpha, IL-12/23) or by enhancing protective factors like prostaglandins and trefoil peptides that stimulate epithelial cell migration and proliferation.