Effect of Exercise on Intestinal Barrier Function and Mucosal Immunity Homeostasis

Intestinal barrier and mucosal immunity homeostasis are the vital defense against pathogen invasion.Exercise induces tissue blood flow redistribution, leading to hypoxia in gastrointestinal tract.Under hypoxic condition, hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF) -1α is phosphorylated and stabilized, regulating intestinal mucosal immune homeostasis.Related studies have revealed that moderate exercise maintains mucosal immunity homeostasis, while heavy exercise causes intestinal barrier dysfunction.Therefore, we briefly introduce the intestinal barrier structure and mucosal immune system;review the effects of different intensities of exercise on intestinal barrier function and mucosal immunity homeostasis;further discuss the possible protective mechanism of HIF-1α.This review provides a new insight for exercise training, intestinal barrier function and mucosal immunity related research areas.