In essence Leaky gut is the passage of undigested food proteins or other unattended molecules through the intestinal barrier into the bloodstream. Such molecules are then regarded as pathogenic and an immune response is mounted against them even if they are harmless.

Research confirms that the root cause for many of undesired immune reactions originates in the gastrointestinal tract. GI tract abnormality can compromise the integrity of the gut barrier and increases the entry of undigested antigens into the sub-mucosa and the circulation, thus challenging the immune system. Reaction to these antigens activates immune and inflammatory cascades, resulting in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and an array of antibodies, which further contributes to increased intestinal barrier permeability (or “ leaky gut” syndrome).

The exaggerated entrance of antigenic macromolecules across the gut epithelium can initiate production of, and perpetuate an ongoing increase in, multiple inflammatory cytokines and systemic chronic inflammation. This appears to be a required component for the trio of factors that lead to eventual autoimmune disease (genetic vulnerability, environmental exposure, and intestinal permeability).

The single-cell epithelial lining in the intestines forms an amazingly large surface area (300-m2, about the size of a tennis court), which represents the single largest interface between our bodies and the external environment. The function of the intestinal mucosa is far more than just transportation of nutrients; it balances the needs for a barrier against a hostile environment, like the skin, with the necessity of active and passive transport, like the renal tubule. The intestinal mucosal cells favor fluxes of nutrients, regulate ion and water movements, and limit host contact with the massive intraluminal load of dietary antigens and microbes. An intact intestinal barrier is, therefore, critical to normal physiological function and the prevention of disease.

Intestinal permeability pathways

Depending on the damage either to the intestinal epithelial cells, unwanted molecules can pass directly through the sell or in between them (if the tight junctions are compromised).

Cyrex Array 2 measures both intestinal permeability pathways.

This test is suitable for everybody that suspects they may have Leaky gut.

It’s best suited for patients who:

• Present with multiple symptom complaints (including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome).
• Suffer from abnormal immune cell count and function (including autoimmune diseases).
• Have multiple food sensitivity.

It is hard to pinpoint exact symptoms as leaky gut manifests in different diseases. Intestinal permeability is connected to:

• Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac disease
• Food Allergies
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease)
• Numerous autoimmune diseases (Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, Type 1 Diabetes, Spondylitis, etc.)
• Neurological conditions (Multiple Sclerosis, Guillain Barré Syndrome, etc.)
• Cognitive Dysfunction (depression, anxiety, Schizophrenia, etc.)
• Others

• People that are more likely to have Leaky gut have:

  • A family history of connected diseases
  • Dysbiosis43 and microorganism invasions of (bacteria, yeast, viruses, parasites)
  • Traumas including surgical and non-surgical lesions
  • Stress due to disease, starvation, sustained strenuous exercise, radiation
  • Other environmental factors such as medications, allergenic foods
  • Current or past use of antibiotics, steroids, NSAIDs
  • History of chemotherapy or radiation treatment
  • History of chronic yeast infection
  • Digestive enzyme insufficiencies
  • Diet history of:
    • Standard American Diet
    • low fiber diets
    • excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption
    • unknown exposure to food allergens used as fillers in cosmetics, medications, nutrients

Sample Report

Cyrex Labs is an advanced clinical laboratory focusing on mucosal, cellular, and humoral immunology and specializing in antibody arrays for complex thyroid, gluten, and other food-associated autoimmunities and related neurodysregulation. Cyrex’s Scientific Advisory Board, comprised of experts from a variety of medical and research disciplines, brings together the latest findings from medical research and the assessment needs of today’s healthcare professionals. Out of this collaboration, Cyrex develops the next generation of clinical lab testing that is required to care for present-day complex maladies.

Cyrex’s Four Pillars of Excellence:

Antigen Purification System™ – ensures assessment of the un-adulterated antigen, resulting in greater specificity.

Optimized Antigen Concentration™ – optimum protein ratios to detect immune reactivity (i.e. Beef is much higher in protein than Oranges).

Antigen-Specific Validation™ – single antigen validation, rather than one arbitrarily chosen reference curve entire group of antigens.

Parallel Testing Technology™ – each specimen is validated in side-by-side duplicate.

Together, the Four Pillars of Excellence ensure accurate results.