Serum prolactin in celiac disease

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Gastroenterology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion.
• Elevated serum prolactin levels have been observed in various autoimmune conditions.
• The relationship between celiac disease activity and serum prolactin levels requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serum prolactin levels in children with celiac disease on different gluten intakes.
• To assess the correlation between serum prolactin levels and celiac disease activity markers.
• To evaluate the potential of serum prolactin as an economical marker for celiac disease activity.

Main Methods:

• Serum prolactin levels (SPL) were measured in 41 children with CD (20 on unrestricted gluten diet, 21 on gluten-free diet) and 41 controls.
• Celiac disease diagnosis was confirmed by ESPGAN criteria and endoscopic biopsies.
• Hyperprolactinemia was defined as SPL > 18 ng/ml (males) or > 24 ng/ml (females).

Main Results:

• All children with CD on an unrestricted gluten diet exhibited hyperprolactinemia.
• Serum prolactin levels were significantly higher in both CD groups compared to controls (p < 0.001).
• SPL positively correlated with symptom duration and age of diagnosis in the unrestricted gluten group, and with villous atrophy and inflammation in the gluten-free group.

Conclusions:

• Serum prolactin levels are significantly elevated in children with active celiac disease.
• Serum prolactin levels correlate with celiac disease activity, suggesting its utility as a marker.
• Serum prolactin estimation offers a potentially economical method for monitoring celiac disease activity.