[Overweight and obesity in celiac disease: expression of the interleukin profile Th17].

INTRODUCTION

the histological alteration in the small intestine of the celiac patients produces a poor absorption that deteriorates or hinder an optimal weight gain. This can be the result of an increase expression of the Th17 gluten-specific interleukins.

OBJECTIVE

the aim of this study was to compare the expression of Th17 interleukins in celiac patients with normal and overweight/obese nutritional status.

METHODS

a total of 22 patients with newly diagnosed celiac disease were eligible: 15 patients with normal weight and seven overweight/obese. Small intestine biopsies were taken for the evaluation of the expression of interleukins through real-time PCR.

RESULTS

expression levels of Th17 interleukins showed a tendency to be higher in intestinal biopsies of overweight/obese patients compared to normal weight celiac subjects; however, this difference was not statistical significant.

CONCLUSION

body weight excess in celiac patients is not influenced by the expression levels of Th17 interleukins.