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Complement studies in children with treated coeliac disease after gluten challenge
European Journal of Pediatrics
|August 1, 1980
Summary
Gluten challenge in children with coeliac disease temporarily reduced complement components like C1 and C4. Levels mostly normalized within 24 hours but showed a later decrease in some components.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion.
- Complement system activation is implicated in inflammatory responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of gluten challenge on complement component levels in children with treated coeliac disease.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 13 children with treated coeliac disease were analyzed after a gluten challenge.
- Levels of complement components (C1, C2, C4, C1-inactivator, C3-activator/factor B, and total complement CH50) were measured at 4, 8, 24, and 48 hours post-challenge.
Main Results:
- Significant decreases in C1 and C3-activator (factor B) were observed at 4 hours.
- Total complement (CH50) and components C1, C4, and C1-inactivator decreased significantly at 8 hours.
- Most values normalized by 24 hours, with a subsequent decrease in C4, and CH50, C1, C2, and C4 at 48 hours.
Conclusions:
- Gluten challenge in treated coeliac disease patients transiently affects complement system components.
- The complement system may play a role in the acute phase response to gluten in coeliac disease.