Intestinal Barrier: Mechanisms of Disruption and Strategies for Restoration in Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, relapsing-remitting subtype of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), featured by continuous mucosal inflammation restricted to the colon and rectum. Although the exact pathogenesis of UC has not been fully clarified, intestinal barrier impairment and disrupted mucosal homeostasis are recognized as the central mechanism. Therefore, restoring intestinal mucosal barrier function represents a core strategy for UC prevention and treatment, which aligns with the therapeutic goal of achieving mucosal healing and sustained remission. In this review, we outline the composition and functional significance of the intestinal barrier, explore key mechanisms underlying its disruption, and summarize recent advances in UC-related monitoring strategies. Finally, we explore novel therapeutic approaches aimed at epithelial barrier repair. The review aims to provide insights valuable for both basic research and clinical management of UC.