Serum Zonulin as a Marker of Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function in Chronic Liver Diseases in Pediatrics

Abstract

Background: The term "chronic liver disease" (CLD) refers to a long-term, permanent alteration in the structure of the liver that may result in consequences including cirrhosis and early mortality. A potential contributing element to the pathophysiology of chronic liver disorders and the development of complications in cirrhosis is the dysfunction of the intestinal epithelial barrier. One indicator of intestinal permeability is zonulin. Objective: This study aimed to assess serum zonulin levels in CLD with and without cirrhosis in pediatrics. Patients and methods: The study population consisted of 40 children with CLD with cirrhosis, 40 children with CLD without cirrhosis and 20 apparently healthy children serving as a control group. Serum levels of zonulin was determined. Results: The main finding of the current study was that serum zonulin levels were significantly higher in CLD with cirrhosis patients than in CLD without cirrhosis patients or healthy controls (p < 0 001). The median of serum zonulin levels in CLD with cirrhosis patients, CLD without cirrhosis patients, and healthy controls were 264.24, 8.24 and 39.69 ng/mL respectively. Conclusion: Serum zonulin levels were significantly increased in liver cirrhosis patients.