Respiratory Epithelium
Return to Respiratory System Menu
Wikipedia
Respiratory epithelium, or airway epithelium, is a type of ciliated columnar epithelium found lining most of the respiratory tract as respiratory mucosa, where it serves to moisten and protect the airways. It is not present in the vocal cords of the larynx, or the oropharynx and laryngopharynx, where instead the epithelium is stratified squamous. It also functions as a barrier to potential pathogens and foreign particles, preventing infection and tissue injury by the secretion of mucus and the action of mucociliary clearance.
Boosting Barrier Function of Epithelial cells in the Respiratory System.
Between the epithelial cells there is a gap. Normally its closed so tightly that nothing can pass through including pathogens, called the barrier function. Barrier function of the respiratory epithelium has to be strong. The epithelial cells and their membranes need to be flexible and strong with the proper enzymes in them so they can defend themselves. The following helps with barrier function (also for COPD and Asthma)
- Mediterranean Diet (Western Diet is more prone to breach of epithelial barrier)
- Olive oil rich diet
- Fruits and vegetables
- Omega 3 - for barrier function and also helps keep cells in a more fluid and flexible state.
- Vitamins E, C, D - all help barrier function. Vitamin C helps the cell membrane become stronger.
- Sodium Butyrate along with vitamin D causes the cells to have more AMP. AMPs are antimicrobial peptides. They can be released or are on the surface of the cell. AMPs puncture the membranes of pathogens and enveloped viruses like SARS-CoV-2. The peptide then enters the pathogen disrupting its genetic material. Sodium butyrate is a prescription drug given to those with urea cycle issues.
- Healthy protein diet. - Within our cells the things that are functioning are mostly proteins. Everything that creates the barrier function consists of proteins. Impoverished diets may not have enough protein and if there are liver issues proteins may not be made correctly.