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Neural autoantibody evaluation in functional gastrointestinal disorders: a population-based case-control study
Sean J Pittock1, Vanda A Lennon, Carissa L Dege
1Division of Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street S.W., Rochester, MN 55905, USA. pittock.sean@mayo.edu
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|December 25, 2010
Summary
This study found no significant difference in neural autoantibodies between patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or functional dyspepsia and healthy controls. The findings do not support neural autoimmunity as a cause for most functional GI disorders.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia have unknown causes.
- Theories suggest psychological factors or autoimmune alterations in GI neuromuscular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the serum profile of neural autoantibodies in community-based patients with IBS or functional dyspepsia.
- To determine if neural autoimmunity plays a role in the pathogenesis of these functional GI disorders.
Main Methods:
- Sera from patients with functional dyspepsia or IBS (n=69) and asymptomatic controls (n=64) were screened for autoantibodies.
- Antibodies targeting neuronal, glial, and muscle autoantigens were assessed.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of neural autoantibodies was similar in patients (17%) and controls (13%).
- No neuronal or glial nuclear autoantibodies or enteric neuronal autoantibodies were identified.
- Neuronal cation channel antibodies (VGKC, AChR) and glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 (GAD65) autoantibodies showed no significant difference between groups.
Conclusions:
- The study's data do not support neural autoimmunity as the basis for most cases of IBS or functional dyspepsia.
- Further research may be needed to explore other potential etiologies of functional GI disorders.
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