Monday, June 29, 2009

Recent advances (or lack thereof) in Celiac Disease

Current Opinion in Gastroenterology
Matthew J. Armstrong; Gerry G. Robins; Peter D. Howdle
6/25/2009

Large multicenter studies have provided further evidence of the role of environmental and nonhuman leukocyte antigen genetic factors in celiac disease. Siblings of celiac patients carry a high risk, but those found to have negative celiac serology are very unlikely to develop the disease. Advances in the efficacy of serological antibody testing potentiate the possibility of future accurate screening programs in the community. Adherence to a gluten-free diet remains paramount as the recognition of celiac related complications increases.

Despite the encouraging progress that has taken place in our genetic and immunological knowledge of celiac disease, early introduction of a gluten-free diet remains the cornerstone of treatment. Alternatives, however, aimed at altering the toxicity of cereal proteins are now looking more promising.

Bonnie - they also mention in this study that one in 100 are now affected with celiac, which is up from one in 133 a decade ago.

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