Beta 2-microglobulin levels in celiac disease.
The serum levels of beta 2-microglobulins (beta 2-m) were studied in 65 celiac children. Significant statistical differences (p less than 0.05) were found between the values of patients on a gluten-containing diet (mean +/- SD, 1.92 +/- 0.64 mg/L) and those on a gluten-free diet for less than (mean +/- SD, 2.38 +/- 0.76 mg/L) or greater than (mean +/- SD, 1.46 +/- 0.77 mg/L) 8 months. A significant difference was also found between the first group and the 15-subject control group, who underwent intestinal biopsy for low stature or chronic diarrhea but had normal intestinal mucosa (mean +/- SD, 1.56 +/- 0.42 mg/L). Serum beta 2-m levels were above normal values (less than 2 mg/L) in 10 of 26 (38.5%) celiac patients on a gluten-containing diet and in two of 15 (13.3%) subjects of the control group. The beta 2-m values of patients on a gluten-free diet for less than or equal to 8 months were significantly different (p less than 0.001) from those of patients on a gluten-free diet for greater than 8 months, as well from those of the control group. No significant differences were found between patients on a gluten-free diet for greater than 8 months and the control group. A significant correlation between the antigliadin antibody (AGA) IgA and beta 2-m in the patients on a gluten-free diet for greater than 8 months and control-group patients was found.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Bonamico
M
M
I Cattedra di Clinica Pediatrica, Università La Sapienza, Roma, Italy.
Culasso
F
F
Pitzalis
G
G
Mariani
P
P
Morellini
M
M
Procopio
A
A
Triglione
P
P
Signoretti
A
A
Ballati
G
G
D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005903:Gliadin / Q000276:immunology; D005983:Glutens; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D012044:Regression Analysis; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D006680:HLA Antigens; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; D005983:Glutens; D005903:Gliadin