[Serum prolactin concentration in children with celiac disease]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Endocrinology
• Immunology

Background:

• Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion.
• Altered hormone levels, including prolactin, have been observed in various autoimmune conditions.
• The role of prolactin in pediatric celiac disease requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serum prolactin concentrations in children diagnosed with celiac disease.
• To compare prolactin levels between celiac patients on and off a gluten-free diet (GFD).
• To assess the correlation between prolactin levels and the severity of intestinal mucosal lesions.

Main Methods:

• Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was utilized to measure serum prolactin levels.
• The study included 62 children (4-15 years) with celiac disease and 30 healthy controls.
• Small bowel mucosal biopsies were performed to assess the degree of mucosal damage.

Main Results:

• Children with celiac disease not on a GFD exhibited significantly higher serum prolactin concentrations compared to controls.
• The highest prolactin levels were observed in patients with severe mucosal lesions.
• No significant difference in prolactin levels was found between celiac patients on a GFD and the control group.

Conclusions:

• Elevated serum prolactin is associated with active celiac disease in children.
• A gluten-free diet appears to normalize prolactin levels in pediatric celiac disease patients.
• Prolactin may serve as a potential biomarker or indicator of disease activity in celiac disease.