Study Investigates: Is Gluten Helpful in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases? - Video

In a recent study published in the Journal of Translational Gastroenterology reveals that gluten can cause inflammation and is key in celiac disease. It might also be linked to other autoimmune and inflammatory problems.

Gluten, a key protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, is associated with several health problems, especially celiac disease (CD). It is made up of two main proteins, glutenin and gliadin, with gliadin making up around 70% of gluten and being particularly known for triggering harmful immune reactions in celiac disease. Also, it can cause issues beyond celiac disease, indicating it may play a larger role in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Celiac disease is a long-lasting autoimmune condition marked by inflammation in the intestines, an overactive immune response, and high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Gliadin peptides in gluten are the main triggers for this disease. These peptides cause inflammation in the mucosal lining, damage to the epithelial cells, and disruptions in the balance of gut bacteria.

The negative effects of gluten go beyond celiac disease, impacting various body systems and organs. Gluten peptides can increase gut permeability, letting immune-triggering molecules enter other areas of the body and potentially provoke autoimmune reactions in distant organs. When gliadin peptides reach these organs, they can cause dysfunction and damage through changes that make them more immune-reactive and inflammatory.

This process is believed to play a role in several autoimmune conditions, such as dermatitis herpetiformis, gluten ataxia, gluten allergy, and possibly other non-celiac inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders.

Recognizing the harmful effects of gluten underscores the importance of thoroughly examining its role in non-celiac autoimmune diseases. Removing gluten from the diet can reduce symptoms in celiac disease and possibly in other chronic inflammatory, metabolic, and autoimmune conditions. Although avoiding gluten might help in these cases, a gluten-free Mediterranean diet is suggested to maintain balanced nutrition.

Reference: Lerner, A., et al. (2024). Gluten is a Proinflammatory Inducer of Autoimmunity. Journal of Translational Gastroenterology. doi.org/10.14218/jtg.2023.00060.