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Published on: July 5, 2022
Update on coeliac disease and type 1 diabetes mellitus in childhood
A Franzese1, F Lombardi, G Valerio
1Department of Pediatrics, Federico II University, Naples, Italy. franzese@unina.it
Insights
Children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) often have coeliac disease (CD). Research suggests a shared gut immune system link, with potential gluten involvement in DM1 patients who develop CD.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) and coeliac disease (CD) share increased prevalence in children.
- A connection between the gut immune system and DM1 is supported by animal and human studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, genetics, and clinical aspects of DM1 and CD.
- To explore the potential role of gluten in the relationship between DM1 and CD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological, genetic, and clinical data.
- Analysis of recent animal and human studies on oral tolerance and gluten's role.
Main Results:
- Data indicate a breakdown in oral tolerance mechanisms in DM1, distinct from CD.
- The exact reasons for a small subset of DM1 patients developing CD antibodies and enteropathy are unclear.
Conclusions:
- DM1 and CD share immunological links, potentially involving gluten.
- Further research is needed to understand why only some DM1 patients develop coeliac disease features.
Abstract:
The increased prevalence of coeliac disease (CD) among children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) implies that there is more than a simple association. A link between the gut immune system and DM1 has been suggested both in animal models and in humans. We review the literature on the epidemiology and genetic and clinical aspects shared by these two diseases and speculate on the role of gluten on the possible relationship between CD and DM1, on the basis of recent animal and human studies. The data suggest a failure in oral tolerance mechanisms in DM1 other than that in CD. It remains to be understood why only a small proportion of patients with DM1 proceed to the production of coeliac-associated antibodies and to overt enteropathy.
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