Intestinal wound healing: Modulation by enteric and mesenteric factors

In this dissertation we have explored the phenomenon of regeneration – an essential attribute that all living organisms require in order to thrive. Regeneration, or wound repair, is defined as the process of renewal, restoration, and growth that makes organisms resilient to events that cause disturbance or damage. The primary focus of this dissertation is wound healing of the gastro-intestinal tract. Proper regeneration in this organ system is perhaps more important than anywhere, as defects in the intestinal barrier can have detrimental consequences for someone’s well-being and predisposes for multiple diseases.
The investigations on which this dissertation reports, can be divided into two specific processes: healing processes on the inside and healing processes on the outside of the intestinal tube. Part 1 (chapters 2 through 4) focuses on the healing process on the inside of the intestinal tube, specifically with regard to the epithelial layer. Part 2 (chapters 5 and 6) of the dissertation, deal with healing on the outside of the intestinal tube, specifically with the role of the mesentery in intestinal and extra-intestinal healing.
Based on the findings in this dissertation on intestinal repair, a number of prospects could be formulated that may well be relevant for future research into disease mechanisms involving the intestine, as well as for future treatments strategies. New treatment strategies could not only encompass drug therapies, but also various new surgical treatments.