Slide 7

Homeostasis is the body's self-regulating processes to maintain a stable physiological state. The digestive system's homeostasis relies on the growth and regeneration of epithelial cells, regulated by redox balance. H. pylori causes redox imbalances, leading to harmful effects on cells. This reduces the cells' ability to protect against acidity, which can damage tissues and disrupt digestive system function. Homeostasis is defined as the self-regulating processes of the body that help maintain a stable physiological state within a narrow range of values. Homeostasis of the digestive system is maintained by high rates of proliferation and regeneration of epithelial cells. The proliferation and regeneration of epithelial cells is regulated by intracellular redox balance. The protection against acidic substances provided by the epithelial cells allows tissues and organs of the digestive system to remain functional. H. pylori causes redox imbalances, also known as oxidative stress, which in turn leads to high levels of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, HNE, a compound that increases the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals cause an inflammatory response in epithelial cells, reducing their overall efficiency. Reducing efficiency of epithelial cells decreases their ability to protect against acidic substances, which will degrade cells and expose deeper tissues. Without functional epithelial cells, the maintenance of the digestive system is lost and a homeostatic imbalance occurs.