Researchers at McMaster University in Canada have discovered a way to use a molecule to treat people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. In France, 500,000 patients would be affected, but 80% to 90% of cases are not diagnosed. While the only way to circumvent this autoimmune disease is through a very restrictive gluten-free diet, Canadian scientists have been able to calm the inflammation induced by poor gluten digestion in patients.
In the review The American Journal of Gastroenterology, they explain having injected a molecule, called Elafin, into mice. The intestinal mucosa of rodents, instead of being damaged by gluten, was protected by this molecule. Indeed, the researchers had noticed that in sick people, Elafin is present in very small quantities compared to healthy people.
A more flexible plan
“There is a great need for a treatment that will protect patients with celiac disease from accidental contamination. The possibility of an injection of Elafin, would add flexibility to a restrictive lifestyle and potentially accelerate recovery lesions of celiac disease”, specifies Elena Verdu, the main author of this study.
The idea is therefore not to completely abandon the diet, but to make it less restrictive, while limiting the number of crises. The researchers add that these results could help develop treatments for certain gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.
