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Abnormal anandamide metabolism in celiac disease
Natalia Battista1, Antonio Di Sabatino, Monia Di Tommaso
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy. nbattista@unite.it
Celiac disease shows increased anandamide synthesis due to higher N-acylphosphatidyl-ethanolamine specific phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) activity in the duodenal mucosa. Gluten exposure further enhances this enzyme
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The endocannabinoid system's role in celiac disease is understudied.
- Previous research indicated elevated anandamide in celiac mucosa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate anandamide metabolism in celiac disease.
- To analyze enzymes N-acylphosphatidyl-ethanolamine specific phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) in celiac mucosa.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction for transcript levels.
- Immunoblotting for protein concentration.
- Radioassays for enzyme activity.
- Analysis in untreated celiac patients, treated celiac patients, and controls.
- Ex vivo culture of biopsies with gliadin.
Main Results:
- Mucosal NAPE-PLD expression and activity were significantly higher in untreated celiac patients compared to treated patients and controls.
- Ex vivo incubation with gliadin significantly enhanced NAPE-PLD activity in treated celiac biopsies.
- No significant changes in FAAH expression or activity were observed in vivo or ex vivo.
Conclusions:
- Elevated NAPE-PLD activity contributes to increased anandamide levels in active celiac disease.
- This finding offers a potential pathophysiological explanation for observed anandamide changes in celiac mucosa.
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