Aldo-keto reductase 1B10 (AKR1B10) is downregulated in human ulcerative colitis (UC) and colorectal cancer, being a potential pathogenic factor of these diseases. Aldo-keto reductase 1B8 (AKR1B8) is the ortholog in mice of human AKR1B10. Targeted AKR1B8 deficiency disrupts homeostasis of epithelial self-renewal and leads to susceptibility to colitis and carcinogenesis. In this study, we found that in AKR1B8 deficient mice, Muc2 expression in colon was diminished, and permeability of colonic epithelium increased. Within 24 h, orally administered FITC-dextran penetrated into mesenteric lymph nod...
