Gluten-free diet decreases urinary peptide levels in children with celiac disease.
BACKGROUND
Increased urine secretion of peptides has been found in celiac disease, probably resulting from increased intestinal uptake of peptides caused by damage to the small gut mucosa.


METHODS
High-performance liquid chromatography of low-molecular-weight peptides in the urine was performed over 6 months, before and after a gluten-free diet was instituted in children who clinically improved while consuming the diet.


RESULTS
A significant decrease of peptide levels was observed in children consuming the gluten-free diet. Certain peptide peaks thought to be gluten related decreased the most after the patients began the diet.


CONCLUSIONS
Because the peptides decrease in patients consuming a gluten-free diet, it is reasonable to conclude that such peptides have a mostly dietary origin.
Ek
J
J
Department of Pediatrics, Buskerud Central Hospital, Drammen, Norway.
Stensrud
M
M
Reichelt
K L
KL
D000293:Adolescent; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000652:urine*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D005903:Gliadin / Q000652:urine; D005983:Glutens / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000652:urine; D006801:Humans; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010455:Peptides / Q000652:urine*
D010455:Peptides; D005983:Glutens; D005903:Gliadin