Intestinal mucins in health and disease.

Intestinal mucins are complex glycoproteins which are secreted from goblet cells, and 
form a gel-like covering over the mucosal surface. They are assumed 
to provide lubrication and protection of the underlying epithelium against potentially 
injurious chemicals, enzymes, bacteria and dietary constituents. Recent advances in our 
understanding of mucin structure, secretion and functional properties are reviewed in 
this paper. Implications for diseases such as cystic fibrosis, peptic ulcer, 
malignancy and inflammatory bowel disease are briefly discussed. 