Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) has been a subject of debate amongst experts, but now researchers from Columbia University in the United States have found evidence proving the existence of the condition.
The new study by Dr Armin Alaedini, assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, shows that people with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, like those with coeliac disease, produce a high level of anti-gluten antibodies. However, the types of antibodies produced and the inflammatory responses these antibodies can instigate differ between the two conditions.
“We found that the B cells of coeliac disease patients produced a subclass profile of IgG antibodies with a strong inflammatory potential that is linked to autoimmune activity and intestinal cell damage,” says Alaedini. “In contrast, the patients with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity produced IgG antibodies that are associated with a more restrained inflammatory response.”
This discovery is good news for people with both conditions. It is hoped that in the future the antibodies could be used to help detect non-coeliac gluten sensitivity. While for those with coeliac disease the discovery of the antibody profiles could assist in the development of new therapies.
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