Celiac Disease and Glandular Autoimmunity

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Gastroenterology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine triggered by gluten.
• Increased prevalence of celiac disease is observed in individuals with autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes.
• A common genetic background likely underlies the association between celiac disease and endocrine autoimmunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on the association between celiac disease and endocrine autoimmunity.
• To explore the implications of this association for diagnosis and management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating celiac disease and endocrine autoimmunity.
• Analysis of prevalence data for autoantibodies in celiac disease and autoimmune endocrine disorders.

Main Results:

• 10-30% of celiac disease patients have antibodies for thyroid disease and/or type 1 diabetes.
• 5-7% of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, or polyglandular autoimmunity have celiac disease antibodies.
• Gluten-free diet does not reverse existing glandular autoimmunity but may prevent or delay its onset.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant association between celiac disease and both monoglandular and polyglandular autoimmunity.
• Prospective studies are needed to confirm if early diagnosis and gluten-free diet impact the progression of glandular autoimmunity.
• Screening for celiac disease in patients with endocrine autoimmunity may be beneficial.