Celiac And Other Autoimmune Diseases

[Nancym]

I thought this would interest some of us!

Snippet:

Alessio Fasano

Abstract and Introduction

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Celiac disease is an immune-mediated disorder clinically characterized by a multitude of symptoms and complications. The comorbidity between celiac disease and other autoimmune disorders has been clearly established.

Recent Findings: Two main theories have been postulated to explain this comorbidity: (1) linkage disequilibrium between the genes responsible for celiac disease and those responsible for the coexpressed autoimmune diseases or (2) untreated celiac disease leading to the onset of other autoimmune diseases. This article reviews the current literature supporting either theory and places the current knowledge in the field within the context of the most recent data on the pathogenesis of celiac disease.

Summary: The current literature did not clearly establish which of the two theories explain the comorbidity between celiac disease and other autoimmune disorders. There is, however, growing evidence that the loss of the intestinal barrier function typical of celiac disease could be responsible of the onset of other autoimmune disease. This concept implies that the autoimmune response can be theoretically stopped and perhaps reversed if the interplay between autoimmune predisposing genes and trigger(s) is prevented or eliminated by a prompt diagnosis and treatment.

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Interesting points:

Basically, the longer you're exposed to gluten, the more likely you'll get another autoimmune disorder.

Mice with a predisposition to diabetes (Type 1) developed it less often when on a gluten-free diet. Similar study of humans too.

If humans who are at risk of developing T1 are put on a GFD soon enough the won't develop T1.

Celiac disease associated autoimmune disorders can be organ specific like thyroiditis or T1D or systemic like Sjogren's or Rhuematoid Arthritis.

Thyroid stuff I didn't understand.

He hypothesizes that the autoimmune processes can be stopped:

This concept implies that the autoimmune response can be theoretically stopped and perhaps reversed if the interplay between autoimmune predisposing genes and trigger(s) is prevented or eliminated.

And that the process is kicked off by a loss of barrier in intestines and lungs (?!? Hadn't heard lungs mentioned before.

the third key element necessary to develop autoimmunity is the loss of the protective function of mucosal barriers that interface with the environment (mainly the gastrointestinal and lung mucosa).

And he talks about the role of the hormone Zonulin (his discovery) in the loss of that barrier.

Very interesting stuff!

The question on my mind is...

For non-celiacs (no intestinal villious atrophy) is there a connection to intestinal permeability and autoimmune disease?

[jnclelland]

Thanks, Nancy; that was very interesting! This sort of information makes me feel:

(1) very grateful that I stumbled on a gluten-free diet before I got really sick! I firmly believe that I dodged a bullet in terms of my overall long-term health.

(2) depressed that I didn't learn about it 10 years earlier, because my father-in-law just died after many years of battling Sjogren's. I'll never know if he was celiac, but I'll always wonder. -sigh-

Jeanne

[Nancym]

So sorry about your Father-in-law. But you know, so many people I've talked to, like my sister, that show obvious gluten related problems just reject the information out-of-hand. And even if I did get her to take it seriously, she'd probably be negative on the celiac test and never try the diet anyway.

[2kids4me]

My children are examples of his theory - since going gluten free, they stopped developing further autoimmune disorders. Altought the diabetes was diagnosed first in my son, it is clear that he had symptoms (joint pain and occasional stomach aches) of celiac PRIOR to that point, supported by the severe damage noted on his biopsy. If the celiac had not been diagnosed by now - who knows what else would have developed!

[georgie]

I have 3 autoimmune diseases and only found my Celiac/GI this year after the Dr dx autoimmune Thyroid. Unfortunately in my case the Thyroid dx came 30 years too late and there is irreversable damage to that organ. I am lucky I was dx when I was as the nodules would have grown and then the Thyroid removed which is a fate worse than death I believe. I am 47 and not sure if I had Celiac all my life or if it came after Thyroid. My Thyroid was dx 30 years ago but not treated as the stupid Dr was just looking at blood tests ( badly). And I was too young and naive to get a 2nd, 3rd etc opinion. And we didn't have the Internet in those days

If this Dr is correct then a dx of Celiac when I was young may have prevented the autoimmune diseaes I have now. Why aren't all children screened for Celiac when young ?

[jnclelland]

So sorry about your Father-in-law. But you know, so many people I've talked to, like my sister, that show obvious gluten related problems just reject the information out-of-hand. And even if I did get her to take it seriously, she'd probably be negative on the celiac test and never try the diet anyway.

Yeah, I know. He was 85, and by the time I learned about the link he was already on hospice care, so there didn't seem to be much point in telling my in-laws and making them wonder if it could have made a difference. My MIL has been a health food nut since the 70's, so whole wheat everything has always been a staple for them.

Jeanne

[Fiddle-Faddle]

. I am lucky I was dx when I was as the nodules would have grown and then the Thyroid removed which is a fate worse than death I believe.

Why is having the thyroid removed a fate worse than death? My mother had hers removed 40 years ago, and she's been fine.

[georgie]

Why is having the thyroid removed a fate worse than death? My mother had hers removed 40 years ago, and she's been fine. blink.gif

That's what I hear every day on the Thyroid Lists. One lady nearly died and her weight went to 200lbs and her hair fell out, and she said she was dying. I guess some people can't handle Synthroid. Getting Drs to prescribe an alternative is hard. Especially a natural one Most of these people that get so ill just stagger to a thyroid site and get cured by Armour but they talk and talk about how bad it was to lose the Thyroid. If you have thyroid cancer you don't have choice but just removing the thyroid cos its a bit sick - is silly. Natural meds bring function to normal. Typical Dr attitude is to remove anything if it causes a bit of trouble. Problem is they remove thyroid which has T1,T2,T3,T4 and replace it with synthetic drugs of T4 only. Your Mum must be one of the lucky ones. She has no health issues at all? Cholesterol, blood sugar, dry skin, fatigue ???Some people think they are fine cos they don't know what 'good' is !

The lady I mentioned earlier is into size 6 jeans, rides a Harley ( at 54), parties all night sometimes, eats choc cake for breakfast and never has a weight or cholesterol or blood sugar problem .She is back like she was as a teenager. She takes full replacement dose Armour - 11 grains.

[Fiddle-Faddle]

I'm guessing she is okay because they told her they removed the whole thyroid--but she only started needing hormone replacement in the last few years. They must have left a piece of the thyroid in there and it continued to produce adequate hormone til recently (she is now in her 70's).