In this context, butyrate has been shown to enhance the intestinal barrier function through maintenance of the expression of tight junction proteins including claudins, occludin, and zonula occludens protein-1 (ZO-1) [152], and an animal study has demonstrated that oral administration of C. butyricum or butyrate reduces intestinal injury associated with severe acute pancreatitis [153]. The gene discussed is TJP1; the disease is acute pancreatitis.