I suspect that all of the neurological issues associated with celiac disease are knock on effects of the immune reaction that characterizes the disorder.
Perhaps my opinion is based more on optimism than a valid understanding of the science involved.
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This is long but worth reading.
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Non-Celiac Gluten SensitivityRecent advances in testing — both in numbers of tests available and in their sensitivity,
along with the testing of more people recognized as being at risk for
celiac disease, have turned up some confusing findings.
There is a lot more CD out there than previously thought,
much of which does not fit the classic symptom profile.
But there are also immune reactions to gluten-containing grains that testing cannot
verify as celiac disease because intestinal biopsies reveal no tissue damage.
They also do not fit the categories of allergy or intolerance, as they are IgG and IgA mediated reactions.
Are these nonceliac conditions? Are they latent CD, not yet presenting with intestinal damage?
Because celiac disease has been defined for so long by its gastrointestinal symptoms,
some researchers are urging the adoption of a more generalized and inclusive term,
gluten sensitivity, to apply to all immune-mediated reactions to gluten, with or without intestinal damage.
As stated by Hadjivassiliou et al. (2002):
“Gluten sensitivity is best defined as a state of heightened immunological responsiveness
in genetically susceptible people.
This definition does not imply bowel involvement.
That gluten sensitivity is regarded as principally a disease of the small bowel is a
historical misconception.”
A good way to define non-celiac gluten sensitivity may be as a non-specific injury to the intestinal tract,
without the flattened villi and the intestinal immune cells found in untreated celiac disease
(Braly et al., 2002, p. 41).
Patients will have the antibodies against gluten but not the autoimmune antibodies that characterize CD.
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity presents in much the same way as CD,
with great variability in symptom intensity and duration. It is unclear,
though, how severe the longterm damage could be compared to untreated CD
(Braly et al., 2002, p. 46).
Since the reaction to gluten is an immune response, and since gluten is damaging to tissues,
it is easy to assume that some of the proteins are leaking into the bloodstream and
being carried to other tissues, where further damage is likely occurring.
Peptides—partial proteins in the bloodstream — are indicative of a leaky gut,
which in celiac disease is caused by gluten.
In nonceliac sensitivity, it is not known whether gluten is causing intestinal permeability or
if it has occurred due to inflammation caused by other substances.
Testing For All Types of Gluten SensitivitySince the 1980s, testing for celiac disease, in particular, and other gluten sensitivities has become
quite varied and sophisticated.
Many options exist for determining the nature and extent of the problem,
with varying degrees of sensitivity and specificity.
In determining what tests to do, limitations of budget may be the most crucial factor for some people.
Those who have already achieved lasting relief from a gluten-free diet may choose to do no
testing whatsoever.
Unfortunately, because celiac disease has long been thought to be an uncommon occurrence in this country,
it is rarely suspected and rarely diagnosed, especially when its symptoms are other than gastrointestinal
(Fasano, 2006).
Above Extract taken from Gluten Sensitivity a rising concern.
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http://www.baumancollege.org/pdfs/articles/Gluten_Sensitivity.pdf.
Best Regards,
David
June 29, 2008, 03:44:03 PM