Genome-wide association study reveals an association between the HLA-DPB1∗02:01:02 allele and wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis.

Wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA) is a life-threatening food allergy triggered by wheat in combination with the second factor such as exercise. The identification of potential genetic risk factors for this allergy might help high-risk individuals before consuming wheat-containing food. We aimed to identify genetic variants associated with WDEIA. A genome-wide association study was conducted in a discovery set of 77 individuals with WDEIA and 924 control subjects via three genetic models. The associations were confirmed in a replication set of 91 affected individuals and 435 control individuals. Summary statistics from the combined set were analyzed by meta-analysis with a random-effect model. In the discovery set, a locus on chromosome 6, rs9277630, was associated with WDEIA in the dominant model (OR = 3.95 [95% CI, 2.31-6.73], p = 7.87 × 10-8). The HLA-DPB1∗02:01:02 allele displayed the most significant association with WDEIA (OR = 4.51 [95% CI, 2.66-7.63], p = 2.28 × 10-9), as determined via HLA imputation following targeted sequencing. The association of the allele with WDEIA was confirmed in replication samples (OR = 3.82 [95% CI, 2.33-6.26], p = 3.03 × 10-8). A meta-analysis performed in the combined set revealed that the HLA-DPB1∗02:01:02 allele was significantly associated with an increased risk of WDEIA (OR = 4.13 [95% CI, 2.89-5.93], p = 1.06 × 10-14). Individuals carrying the HLA-DPB1∗02:01:02 allele have a significantly increased risk of WDEIA. Further validation of these findings in independent multiethnic cohorts is needed.

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome oral food challenge: Time for a change?

OBJECTIVE: Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is typically diagnosed based on a characteristic clinical history; however, an oral food challenge (OFC) may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis or evaluate for the development of tolerance. FPIES OFC methods vary globally, and there is no universally agreed upon protocol. The objective of this review is to summarize reported FPIES OFC approaches and consider unmet needs in diagnosing and managing FPIES. DATA SOURCES: PubMed database was searched using the keywords food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, oral food challenge, cow milk allergy, food allergy, non-immunoglobulin E-mediated food allergy and FPIES. STUDY SELECTIONS: Primary and review articles were selected based on relevance to the diagnosis of FPIES and the FPIES OFC. RESULTS: We reviewed the history of FPIES and the evolution and variations in the FPIES OFC. A summary of current literature suggests that most patients with FPIES will react with 25% to 33% of a standard serving of the challenged food, there is little benefit to offering a divided dose challenge unless there is suspicion of specific immunoglobulin E to the food being challenged, reactions typically appear within 1 to 4 hours of ingestion, and reactions during OFC rarely result in emergency department or intensive care unit admission. CONCLUSION: International standardization in the FPIES OFC approach is necessary with particular attention to specific dose administration across challenged foods, timing between the patient's reaction and offered OFC to verify tolerance, patient safety considerations before the OFC, and identification of characteristics that would indicate home reintroduction is appropriate.

Mitigation of Gliadin-Induced Inflammation and Cellular Damage by Curcumin in Human Intestinal Cell Lines.

Wheat is a major diet from many years; apart from its nutritious value, the wheat protein gliadin is responsible for many inflammatory diseases like celiac disease (CD), and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). In this study, the gliadin-induced inflammation and associated cellular damage along with the protective role of curcumin was evaluated using human intestinal cell lines (HCT-116 and HT-29) as a model. Cells were cultured and exposed to 160 µg/ml of gliadin, 100 µM H2O2, and 10 µM curcumin (3 h pretreatment) followed by the assessment of inflammation. Spectrophotometric methods, real-time-PCR, ELISA, Western blotting, and confocal microscopy techniques were used to assess inflammatory markers such as advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) level, activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and NADPH oxidase (NOX), cytokines, and cell damage markers. The results show that gliadin increases the AOPPs level and the activity of MPO and NOX expression. It enhances inflammation by increasing expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, altered expression of anti-inflammatory, and regulatory cytokines. It exacerbates the cellular damage by increasing MMP-2 and 9 and decreasing integrin α and ß expression. Gliadin promotes disease pathogenesis by inducing the inflammation and cellular damage which further alter the cellular homeostasis. The pretreatment of curcumin counteracts the adverse effect of gliadin and protect the cells via diminishing the inflammation and help the cell to regain the cellular morphology suggesting phytochemical-based remedial interventions against wheat allergies.

Extraction of total wheat (Triticum aestivum) protein fractions and cross-reactivity of wheat allergens with other cereals.

A one-step mild extraction of total wheat protein fractions was developed in this study, and the allergic cross-reactivity among dietary cereals were assessed by SDS-PAGE, western blotting, indirect ELISA, and inhibition ELISA using sera from 12 wheat allergic patients. The fractions of albumin, globulin, gliadin and glutenins in wheat flour can be obtained by a one-step extraction with Na2CO3-NaHCO3 (20 mM, pH 9.6, 0.5 M NaCl, 40% ethanol, 1 mM PMSF) in comparison to sequential extractions. Results showed high cross-reactivity in wheat, barley and rye due to close resemblance and high sequence identity (>50%), whereas nearly negligible cross-reactivity among rice, buckwheat, and quinoa was observed. Our research findings suggest that people with wheat allergy should rely primarily on the use of rice, quinoa and non-grain buckwheat, which is an effective substitute for wheat, while those with hypersensitivity should avoid the use of barley and rye in their diet.

Assessment of Immune Responses in an Animal Model of Wheat Food Allergy via Epicutaneous Sensitization.

Wheat allergy is a pathological event involving immunocompetent cells against ingested wheat allergen and is clearly associated with transdermal sensitization. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the disease etiology are not completely understood. A complex cellular and tissue network linking to food allergy makes it difficult to understand the molecular mechanism of allergenicity. Animal models are valuable tools to deduce basic principles of human disease without invasive intervention trials. A mouse model of wheat allergy has provided insights into effects of skin exposure to wheat protein; it is a plausible route of human sensitization for wheat anaphylaxis. Further investigation of this model will capture the essential occurrence and flow of events, bringing useful clues to develop effective treatment and control strategies against wheat allergy. Here, we describe a method for analyzing the expression of cell surface molecules in single cells isolated from lymphoid tissue with flow cytometry. Sensitization by wheat extracts significantly increases antigen-specific T cells in the spleen. Collecting information regarding the contribution of immune cells to allergic sensitization in the development of wheat allergy would be useful in preventing and treating food allergies.

Minimal Lesions of the Small Intestinal Mucosa: More than Morphology.

Minimal lesions of the small bowel are mucosal changes characterized by an increased number of intraepithelial lymphocytes (with or without crypt hyperplasia) and normal villous architecture. Such changes are associated with a wide spectrum of conditions, ranging from food intolerances to infections, and from drugs to immune diseases, with different clinical profiles and manifestations, which complicates the formulation of a differential diagnosis. Patient history, symptom evaluation, and histopathology are the diagnostic features needed to establish a correct diagnosis. Physicians should assist pathologists in formulating a precise morphological evaluation by taking well-oriented small intestinal biopsies and collecting informative clinical findings that inform histopathology. In this current clinical controversy, the authors provide the reader with an appraisal of the small intestine minimal lesions through a careful analysis of the major conditions (e.g., celiac disease and other non-celiac disorders) responsible for such changes and their differential diagnosis. Also, we acknowledge that some of the diseases detailed in this article may progress from an early minimal lesion to overt mucosal atrophy. Thus, the timing of the diagnosis is of paramount importance.

Many Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome Have Atypical Food Allergies Not Associated With Immunoglobulin E.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is a technique that permits real-time detection and quantification of changes in intestinal tissues and cells, including increases in intraepithelial lymphocytes and fluid extravasation through epithelial leaks. Using CLE analysis of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), we found that more than half have responses to specific food components. Exclusion of the defined food led to long-term symptom relief. We used the results of CLE to detect reactions to food in a larger patient population and analyzed duodenal biopsy samples and fluid from patients to investigate mechanisms of these reactions. METHODS: In a prospective study, 155 patients with IBS received 4 challenges with each of 4 common food components via the endoscope, followed by CLE, at a tertiary medical center. Classical food allergies were excluded by negative results from immunoglobulin E serology analysis and skin tests for common food antigens. Duodenal biopsy samples and fluid were collected 2 weeks before and immediately after CLE and were analyzed by histology, immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and immunoblots. Results from patients who had a response to food during CLE (CLE+) were compared with results from patients who did not have a reaction during CLE (CLE-) or healthy individuals (controls). RESULTS: Of the 108 patients who completed the study, 76 were CLE+ (70%), and 46 of these (61%) reacted to wheat. CLE+ patients had a 4-fold increase in prevalence of atopic disorders compared with controls (P = .001). Numbers of intraepithelial lymphocytes were significantly higher in duodenal biopsy samples from CLE+ vs CLE- patients or controls (P = .001). Expression of claudin-2 increased from crypt to villus tip (P < .001) and was up-regulated in CLE+ patients compared with CLE- patients or controls (P = .023). Levels of occludin were lower in duodenal biopsy samples from CLE+ patients vs controls (P = .022) and were lowest in villus tips (P < .001). Levels of messenger RNAs encoding inflammatory cytokines were unchanged in duodenal tissues after CLE challenge, but eosinophil degranulation increased, and levels of eosinophilic cationic protein were higher in duodenal fluid from CLE+ patients than controls (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: In a CLE analysis of patients with IBS, we found that more than 50% of patients could have nonclassical food allergy, with immediate disruption of the intestinal barrier upon exposure to food antigens. Duodenal tissues from patients with responses to food components during CLE had immediate increases in expression of claudin-2 and decreases in occludin. CLE+ patients also had increased eosinophil degranulation, indicating an atypical food allergy characterized by eosinophil activation.

Duodenal and Rectal Mucosa Inflammation in Patients With Non-celiac Wheat Sensitivity.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Studies of non-celiac gluten or wheat sensitivity (NCGWS) have increased but there are no biomarkers of this disorder. We aimed to evaluate histologic features of colon and rectal tissues from patients with NCGWS. METHODS: We performed a prospective study of 78 patients (66 female; mean age, 36.4 years) diagnosed with NCGWS by double-blind wheat challenge at 2 tertiary care centers in Italy, from January 2015 through September 2016. Data were also collected from 55 patients wither either celiac disease or self-reported NCGWS but negative results from the wheat-challenge test (non-NCGWS controls). Duodenal and rectal biopsies were collected and analyzed by immunohistochemistry to quantify intra-epithelial CD3+ T cells, lamina propria CD45+ cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, mast cells, and eosinophils and to determine the presence and size of lymphoid nodules in patients with NCGWS vs patients with celiac disease or non-NCGWS controls. RESULTS: Duodenal tissues from patients with NCGWS had significantly higher numbers of intra-epithelial CD3+ T cells, lamina propria CD45+ cells, and eosinophils than duodenal tissues from non-NCGWS controls. Duodenal tissues from patients with NCGWS and dyspepsia had a higher number of lamina propria eosinophils than patients with NCGWS without upper digestive tract symptoms. Rectal mucosa from patients with NCGWS had a larger number of enlarged lymphoid follicles, intra-epithelial CD3+ T cells, lamina propria CD45+ cells, and eosinophils than rectal mucosa from non-NCGWS controls. Duodenal and rectal mucosal tissues from patients with celiac disease had more immunocytes (CD45+ cells, CD3+ cells, and eosinophils) than tissues from patients with NCGWS or non-NCGWS controls. CONCLUSIONS: We identified markers of inflammation, including increased numbers of eosinophils, in duodenal and rectal mucosa from patients with NCGWS. NCGWS might therefore involve inflammation of the entire intestinal tract. Eosinophils could serve as a biomarker for NCGWS and be involved in its pathogenesis. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01762579.

An update on the cutaneous manifestations of coeliac disease and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity.

INTRODUCTION: Coeliac disease is a gluten-induced immune-mediated enteropathy, characterised by the expression of specific genotypes and the production of autoantibodies. The inflammatory process specifically targets the intestinal mucosa, but gastrointestinal and extraintestinal signs and symptoms can also be present. Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) can be diagnosed in individuals who have intestinal and/or extraintestinal symptoms related to the ingestion of gluten, but do not have autoantibodies and do not suffer from lesions in the duodenal mucosa. Among the extraintestinal manifestations, cutaneous manifestations are the most common for both diseases. PURPOSE: We conducted this review to illustrate the common and uncommon features underlying the association of coeliac disease and NCGS with cutaneous manifestations related to gluten ingestion. Areas covered: The roles of innate and adaptive immunity in the cutaneous appearance of gluten sensitivity will be discussed.

Discriminant value of IEL counts and distribution pattern through the spectrum of gluten sensitivity: a simple diagnostic approach.

Intraepithelial lymphocytosis (IELosis) with or without villous abnormality is a characteristic feature of gluten sensitivity (GS) including celiac disease (CD) and non-celiac-GS, although various conditions may also be associated with IELosis. In order to distinguish GS from the other causes of IELosis, a threshold for IEL counts is necessary. We aimed to determine a cut-off value for IELs and monitor its value in the spectrum of GS in a large cohort. For this purpose, the duodenal biopsies from four groups of individuals including Types 1 (n = 88) and 3 (n = 92) CD, non-CD IELosis (n = 112), and control (n = 82) cases, all strictly defined by their clinical, laboratory, and serologic features, were evaluated. The number of IELs/100 enterocytes and their distribution pattern on H&E- and CD3-immunostained sections were assessed for each group. Kruskal-Wallis test and ROC curve analysis for discriminant value were employed for statistics. The IEL counts showed an increasing trend through the spectrum of mucosal pathology including controls (12.06; 21.40), non-CD IELosis (28.62; 39.46), Type 1 CD (49.27; 60.15), and Type 3 CD (58.53; 71.74) both on H&E- and CD3-immunostained sections, respectively (p < 0.001). ROC analysis revealed 20.5 on H&E and 28.5 on CD3 as the IEL cut-off values with a sensitivity of 95.9 and 87.7% and a specificity of 98.8% and 93.9%, respectively, for controls. IELs showed a diffuse distribution pattern per biopsy piece and per villus (90.9%, 100%, respectively) in nearly all of Type 1 CD cases (p < 0.001). An IEL cut-off value of 20.5 on H&E together with a diffuse distribution pattern seem to be the most discriminant features for the diagnosis of CD, even for the milder forms of the disease.

Antigen-Specific Gut Inflammation and Systemic Immune Responses Induced by Prolonging Wheat Gluten Sensitization in BALB/c Murine Model.

Gluten-related diseases such as wheat allergy, celiac disease, and gluten intolerance are widespread around the globe to genetically predisposed individuals. The present study aims to develop a wheat-gluten induced BALB/c murine model for addressing wheat-gluten related disorders by sensitizing the wheat gluten through the route of intraperitoneal and oral challenge in prolonged days. During the sensitization, the sera were collected for specific antigliadin antibodies response and proinflammatory markers quantification. Ex vivo primary cells and organs were collected for subsequent analysis of inflammatory profile. Prolonging sensitization of gluten can moderate the antigen-specific inflammatory markers such as IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-15, IL-6, IFN-γ and TNF-α levels in mice sera. However, ex vivo primary cells of splenocytes (SPLs) and intestinal epithelial lymphocytes (IELs) significantly increased the IL-6, IL-15, IL-1ß, and IL-4 levels in G+ (gliadin and gluten) treated cells. Histopathology staining of jejunum sections indicates enterocyte degeneration in the apical part of villi and damage of tight junctions in G+ (gliadin and gluten) sensitized murine model. Immunohistochemistry of embedded jejunum sections showed significant expression of positive cells of IL-15, tTG and IL-4 in G+ sensitized murine model. In contrast, all markers of gluten-related disorders are expressed exclusively such as tTG, ZO-1, IL-15, IL-6, IL-4, and intestinal inflammation was mediated by iNOS, COX-2, TLR-4 and NF-kBp50 signaling mechanism in G+ sensitized mice.

Celiac Disease and Wheat Intolerance Syndrome: A Critical Update and Reappraisal.

Since the first description of celiac disease (CeD) by Samuel Gee in 1888 and the later "miraculous discovery" that bread was responsible for this condition following World War II in Europe, there has been an exponential growth of knowledge regarding CeD. Just when we thought that we knew everything there was to know about it, the disease is, however, offering new challenges, with its presentation having significantly morphed over the years from cases of overt gastrointestinal symptoms, malnutrition, and atrophic villi on duodenal biopsies to that of largely extraintestinal, subtle, or mild symptoms. Along with these changes, unexpectedly a new parallel entity appeared a few years ago and is gaining ground: the so-called nonceliac gluten sensitivity, an improper name because it should actually be referred to as wheat intolerance syndrome given that the role of gluten in all such cases is far from demonstrated and the implication of an immune involvement suggested by the term "sensitivity" is still unfounded. Lastly, wheat can be an offender also through an immunoglobulin E-mediated allergy, whose presence must also be evaluated and ruled out in selected cases.The practicing physician is therefore now challenged with the task of discerning which patients need to be assessed for one or the other of these disorders, and how.This review aims at providing an updated, critical reassessment of these 2 entities.

Clinical presentation, allergens, and management of wheat allergy.

IgE-mediated allergy to wheat proteins can be caused by exposure through ingestion, inhalation, or skin/mucosal contact, and can affect various populations and age groups. Respiratory allergy to wheat proteins is commonly observed in adult patients occupationally exposed to flour, whereas wheat food allergy is more common in children. Wheat allergy is of growing importance for patients with recurrent anaphylaxis, especially when exercise related. The diagnosis of wheat allergy relies on a consistent clinical history, skin prick testing with well-characterized extracts and specific IgE tests. The accuracy of wheat allergy diagnosis may be improved by measuring IgE responses to several wheat components. However, a high degree of heterogeneity has been found in the recognition pattern of allergens among patient groups with different clinical profiles, as well as within each group. Thus, oral provocation with wheat or the implicated cereal is the reference test for the definitive diagnosis of ingested wheat/cereal allergy.

PRINCIPLES OF DIAGNOSIS OF GLUTEN-ASSOCIATED DISEASES.

According the background of increasing consumption of gluten-containing products by the population increase in the prevalence and expanding the range of gluten-related diseases was marked. Gluten proteins and other cereals have been recognized as a possible cause of allergies to wheat, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity has been described as a new syndrome (NCGS). The article presents a modern view on the problem of gluten-related diseases, deiThition of NCGS, approaches to the diagnosis and recommendations for management of patients with this pathology.

Cutaneous Manifestations of Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: Clinical Histological and Immunopathological Features.

BACKGROUND: The dermatological manifestations associated with intestinal diseases are becoming more frequent, especially now when new clinical entities, such as Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS), are identified. The existence of this new entity is still debated. However, many patients with diagnosed NCGS that present intestinal manifestations have skin lesions that need appropriate characterization. METHODS: We involved 17 patients affected by NCGS with non-specific cutaneous manifestations who got much better after a gluten free diet. For a histopathological and immunopathological evaluation, two skin samples from each patient and their clinical data were collected. RESULTS: The median age of the 17 enrolled patients affected by NCGS was 36 years and 76% of them were females. On the extensor surfaces of upper and lower limbs in particular, they all presented very itchy dermatological manifestations morphologically similar to eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis herpetiformis. This similarity was also confirmed histologically, but the immunopathological analysis showed the prevalence of deposits of C3 along the dermo-epidermal junction with a microgranular/granular pattern (82%). CONCLUSIONS: The exact characterization of new clinical entities such as Cutaneous Gluten Sensitivity and NCGS is an important objective both for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, since these are patients who actually benefit from a GFD (Gluten Free Diet) and who do not adopt it only for fashion.

Celiac disease, wheat allergy, and gluten sensitivity: when gluten free is not a fad.

As the gluten-free diet (GFD) gains in popularity with the general public, health practitioners are beginning to question its real health benefits. For those patients with celiac disease (CD), the GFD is considered medical nutrition therapy, as well as the only proven treatment that results in improvements in symptomatology and small bowel histology. Those with wheat allergy also benefit from the GFD, although these patients often do not need to restrict rye, barley, and oats from their diet. Gluten sensitivity is a controversial subject, where patients who have neither CD nor wheat allergy have varying degrees of symptomatic improvement on the GFD. Conditions in this category include dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and neurologic diseases such as gluten-sensitive ataxia and autism. It is important for patients and healthcare practitioners to understand the differences between these conditions, even though they may all respond to a GFD. Patients with CD can experience comorbid nutrition deficiencies and are at higher risk for the development of cancers and other autoimmune conditions. Those with wheat allergy and gluten sensitivity are thought not to be at higher risk for these complications. Defining the symptoms and biochemical markers for gluten-sensitive conditions is an important area for future investigations, and high-quality, large-scale randomized trials are needed to prove the true benefits of the GFD in this evolving field.