What Is the New Biomarker Called Zonulin?

The human intestine, one of the body’s largest barriers against potential external factors, performs this function through the tight junction elements between intestinal epithelial cells. Although more than 150 molecular components are known to form these tight connections, “zonulin” is the only identified endogenous molecule. Zonulin levels have been observed to increase in situations where intestinal permeability rises, as well as in conditions such as intense bacterial exposure, gluten enteropathy, various autoimmune diseases, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Zonulin, which appears to be a molecule that can be used in the diagnosis and monitoring of many such diseases, is considered a promising biomarker that may change the course of clinical practice in the follow-up of numerous disorders in the future.