Blog #6

Kerris McKoy
2/26/2011
12:35PM

Scientists at the University of Chicago may have found discovered a way to prevent celiac disease. Celiac disease is a painful digestive disorder. Celiac disease is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine, and prevents it from absorbing healthy parts of foods. In the United States 1 out of 133 people are estimated to have celiac disease, which causes cramping, bloating and diarrhea. At the study conducted at the University of Chicago mice were used. The scientists found a biochemical reaction that may trigger an autoimmune reaction in the intestines of genetically susceptible people. Researchers found that retinoic acid (form of Vitamin A) works together with high levels of an inflammatory substance. This substance known as interleukin-15 breaks down the body’s tolerance to gluten (a protein). Study author Dr. Bana Jabri (co-director of the university’s Digestive Research Core Center) stated "this is the first time that we actually show how inducing a specific dysregulation in the intestines can lead to losing tolerance to a food antigen, and in particular to gluten.” Jabri and her team examined the records of patients at the university's Celiac Disease Center. These patients had high levels of IL-15 in their intestines. They used a new mice model of the disease that was conducted in Jabri’s lab. Researchers increased levels of IL-15 in mice. As a result, the animals developed all the early symptoms of celiac disease, and the adding of retinoic only worsened the disease. Researchers then blocked IL-15 in the mice, and their symptoms improved and they could tolerate gluten again. Retinoic acid may spur digestive disorder. Celiac disease can develop at anytime in one’s life. Some say that celiac disease is not on the rise, but some may misdiagnose themselves, and thinking that symptoms will go away on their own.


http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/649751.html