Serum mannan-binding lectin levels in patients with celiac disease: an analysis of clinical and autoimmune features.

Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is the central protein in the activation of complement through the lectin pathway. MBL plasma concentration is genetically determined and varies significantly among individuals. Recent findings suggest that MBL is associated with the pathogenesis of celiac disease (CD). In this study, MBL and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were determined in 101 celiac patients and 120 controls, with the aim to associate with the presence of gluten in the diet, disease severity, and the presence of concomitant autoimmune diseases. MBL concentration was determined by ELISA and CRP by nephelometry, using a high-sensitivity method. EmA-IgA and other autoantibodies were tested by indirect immunofluorescence. Although a significant increase in MBL levels was observed in male patients compared to female (P = 0.024), the absence of any other association suggests that circulating MBL and CRP concentrations are not associated with clinical and autoimmune CD features in Brazilian patients.