Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
10:27
Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
[Hypocholesterolemia and celiac disease: about one case]
S Neffati1, B Charfeddine, M Ali Smach
1Département de biochimie, Faculté de médecine, Sousse, Tunisie. elisee.grissa@yahoo.fr
Annales De Biologie Clinique
|May 5, 2009
Summary
Low cholesterol (hypocholesterolemia) can signal serious illness. In a teen, low cholesterol and iron deficiency anemia revealed celiac disease, improving with a gluten-free diet.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Hypocholesterolemia, or low cholesterol, is often overlooked but affects 2-5% of populations.
- It can be an indicator of severe underlying conditions such as cancer, sarcopenia, or malabsorption disorders.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old female, Miss HY, presented with hypocholesterolemia and ferriprive (iron-deficiency) anemia.
- This biochemical presentation prompted further investigation into potential underlying diseases.
Findings:
- Celiac disease was diagnosed in Miss HY, confirmed by histopathology and serological markers (anti-gliadin and anti-endomysium antibodies).
- Strict adherence to a gluten-free diet led to the normalization of her cholesterol levels and anemia, alongside clinical improvement.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of investigating hypocholesterolemia, especially when accompanied by other abnormalities like anemia.
- Early diagnosis and management of celiac disease through dietary changes can significantly improve patient outcomes.
- Hypocholesterolemia can serve as a crucial diagnostic clue for celiac disease in adolescents.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Lipids are an essential component of a balanced human diet. Triglycerides, which make up the majority of dietary lipids, are found in both saturated fats—commonly present in meat, dairy products, and certain tropical plants like coconut, and hydrogenated oils such as margarine and baking shortenings (trans fats)—and unsaturated fats, which are abundant in seeds, nuts, olive oil, and most vegetable oils. The main sources of cholesterol include egg yolks, various meats and organ meats, shellfish,...
01:20Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...
01:30Other Disorders of Digestive System
The gastrointestinal tract is susceptible to various disorders. If the lower esophageal sphincter is damaged, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the lining. This condition is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (known as heartburn) and may cause chest pain and difficulty swallowing. In the stomach, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, chronic alcohol consumption, bacterial infections such as Helicobacter...
01:25Factors Influencing Drug Absorption: Disease States and Pharmacology
Multiple disease states can significantly influence the oral drug absorption process by affecting blood flow and the functionality of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Various GI diseases, including conditions that alter GI motility, such as diarrhea, decreased acid secretions (achlorhydria), and infections, have been associated with reduced drug absorption.
Substances such as alcohol and specific drugs, including antineoplastics, can also negatively impact drug absorption. For instance,...
Substances such as alcohol and specific drugs, including antineoplastics, can also negatively impact drug absorption. For instance,...
01:26Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
01:17Gastritis-II: Pathophysiology
Gastritis is marked by disruption of the mucosal barrier that usually protects the stomach tissue from digestive juices and manifests in acute and chronic forms.
In acute gastritis, the gastric mucosa becomes swollen and red and undergoes superficial erosion. Superficial ulceration may lead to bleeding.
In chronic gastritis, persistent or repeated insults lead to chronic inflammatory changes and, eventually, thinning or atrophy of the gastric tissue.
Gastritis can stem from various causes, each...
In acute gastritis, the gastric mucosa becomes swollen and red and undergoes superficial erosion. Superficial ulceration may lead to bleeding.
In chronic gastritis, persistent or repeated insults lead to chronic inflammatory changes and, eventually, thinning or atrophy of the gastric tissue.
Gastritis can stem from various causes, each...