Researchers have discovered that a protein in wheat triggers the inflammation in chronic health conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis, and also contributes toward the development of nonceliac gluten sensitivity.
With past studies commonly focusing on gluten and its impact on digestive health, this new research, presented at United European Gastroenterology Week 2016, turns the spotlight onto a different family of proteins found in wheat called amylase-trypsin inhibitors (ATIs). The study shows that the consumption of ATIs can lead to the development of inflammation in tissues beyond the gut, including the lymph nodes, kidneys, spleen, and brain. Evidence suggests that ATIs can worsen the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, asthma, lupus, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, as well as inflammatory bowel disease.
ATIs make up no more than 4% of wheat proteins, but can trigger powerful immune reactions in the gut that can spread to other tissues in the body. According to Professor Detlef Schuppan from the Johannes Gutenberg University in Germany, “As well as contributing to the development of bowel-related inflammatory conditions, we believe that ATIs can promote inflammation of other immune-related chronic conditions outside of the bowel. The type of gut inflammation seen in nonceliac gluten sensitivity differs from that caused by celiac disease, and we do not believe that this is triggered by gluten proteins. Instead, we demonstrated that ATIs from wheat, that are also contaminating commercial gluten, activate specific types of immune cells in the gut and other tissues, thereby potentially worsening the symptoms of pre-existing inflammatory illnesses.”
Clinical studies are now due to commence to explore the role that ATIs play on chronic health conditions in more detail. “We are hoping that this research can lead us toward being able to recommend an ATI-free diet to help treat a variety of potentially serious immunological disorders,” adds Professor Schuppan.
Further to inflaming chronic health conditions outside of the bowel, ATIs may contribute to the development on nonceliac gluten sensitivity. This condition is now an accepted medical diagnosis for people who do not have celiac disease but benefit from a gluten-free diet. Intestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements, are frequently reported, which can make it difficult to distinguish from irritable bowel syndrome.
However, extraintestinal symptoms can assist with diagnosis, which include headaches, joint pain, and eczema. These symptoms typically appear after the consumption of gluten-containing food and improve rapidly on a gluten-free diet. Yet, gluten does not appear to cause the condition.
Professor Schuppan hopes that the research will also help to redefine nonceliac gluten sensitivity to a more appropriate term. He explains, “Rather than nonceliac gluten sensitivity, which implies that gluten solitarily causes the inflammation, a more precise name for the disease should be considered.”
