Gluten sensitivity in multiple sclerosis: experimental myth or clinical truth?

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Neurological diseases of unknown origin can present with antigliadin and antitissue transglutaminase antibodies.
• A potential association between these antibodies and multiple sclerosis (MS) has been previously hypothesized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of antigliadin and antitissue transglutaminase antibodies in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Serum levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antigliadin antibodies (AGA) and antitissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) were measured.
• 98 patients with multiple sclerosis were compared against a control group.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant increase in IgG AGA and IgG anti-tTG antibody titers was observed in multiple sclerosis patients.
• Positive IgG AGA results were found in 7 MS patients versus 2 controls (P=0.03).
• Positive IgG anti-tTG results were found in 4 MS patients, with no positive results in controls (P=0.02).
• No significant differences in IgA AGA or IgA anti-tTG levels were found between the groups.

Conclusions:

• The study supports an association between antigliadin and antitissue transglutaminase antibodies and multiple sclerosis.
• The precise role of these antibodies in MS pathogenesis requires further investigation.
• Consideration of a gluten-free diet may be beneficial for specific MS patients with detectable gluten antibodies.