Document Type : Research Article
Abstract
Background: Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune enteropathy triggered by gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. The WNT signaling pathway maintains intestinal epithelium homeostasis. This study evaluated two WNT antagonists (Dickkopf-1 and sclerostin) in CD patients with varying intestinal atrophy (Marsh scores) compared to controls. A lipid profile blood test measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood (total cholesterol) the level of HDL-cholesterol (high-density cholesterol, often called ‘good cholesterol the level of LDL-cholesterol (low-density cholesterol, often called ‘bad’ cholesterol triglycerides (TG, another type of fat in the body) LDL cholesterol is referred to as bad cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of your blood vessels, This increases your risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis HDL cholesterol is good cholesterol because it removes excess cholesterol from your body. High triglyceride levels can also increase your risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease
Methods: 43 CD patients and 45 controls were enrolled. Serum levels of Dickkopf-1, sclerostin, citrulline, PTH, calcium, and vitamin D3 were measured via ELISA, spectrophotometry, and HPLC.
Results: Dickkopf-1 (P<0.0001) and sclerostin (P=0.002) were significantly elevated in CD. PTH (P<0.0001) and calcium (P=0.009) were also higher. Citrulline correlated with sclerostin (R=0.71), PTH (R=0.53), and Dickkopf-1 (R=0.29). ROC analysis showed Dickkopf-1 (AUC=0.83), sclerostin (AUC=0.7), and PTH (AUC=0.91) differentiated CD from controls but not atrophy severity. Conclusion: Elevated WNT antagonists and PTH in CD correlate with enterocyte mass markers, suggesting their pathogenic role. Further studies are needed for diagnostic/therapeutic applications.
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