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Barrier-Cytokine Cycle

The foundational cycle that drives ongoing inflammation

How It Forms

  • Initial epithelial damage breaches barrier
  • Luminal antigens activate NF-κB
  • Sustained TNF-α and IL-6 production
  • Cytokines prevent barrier repair

Self-Reinforcement

  • TNF-α disrupts tight junctions
  • Increased permeability → more antigen influx
  • More NF-κB activation → more cytokines
  • Barrier never heals → inflammation persists

Breaking This Cycle

BREAK Protocol Interventions
  • Andrographis - Inhibits NF-κB and JAK/STAT
  • Curcumin BCM-95 - Modulates cytokine pathways
  • Tributyrin - Strengthens barrier function
Back to Overview Continue to Cycle 3: Notch-Goblet Cell