Fig. 1
From: Compromised intestinal integrity in older adults during daily activities: a pilot study
Schematic overview of our overall hypothesis. The normal adjustment of mesenteric perfusion to increased oxygen demand may be diminished in older individuals due to splanchnic atherosclerosis. Activities that increase splanchnic oxygen demands may therefore lead to intestinal wall hypoperfusion, and in turn, cause disturbed intestinal integrity. This process may eventually contribute to disturbed nutrient absorption in older adults if bowel villi shorten adaptively. In this way, atherosclerosis may lead to malnutrition