Celiac Disease

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Celiac Disease is an inflammatory disease that destroys the lining of the small intestines and prevents the absorption of nutrients and vitamins into the system. The patients' health suffers; their digestive system is unable to process gluten foods that contain wheat, barley, and oats. The cause of this disease is unknown; however, environmental factors and a genetic predisposition are suspected. Destructive proteins that contain an abundance of proline and glutamine and the amino acid sequences Pro-Ser-Gln-Gln and Gln-Gln-Gln-Pro) are involved. The 33-MER, peptides cannot be broken down any further. When gluten is taken into the body, 33-MER stimulates T-cells to produce antibodies, and it triggers an autoimmune response, which slowly (IgA mediated) damages and destroys the surface villi. Furthermore, it reduces the amount of activity and decreases the amount of enzymes in the surface epithelium. Nutrients are not absorbed, so patients become malnourished regardless of the amount of food consumed. There is a strong family genetic predisposition for this condition, specifically with the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genes DR3, DQ2 and DQ8. The Caucasian population and people of European descent experience celiac disease. Moreover, women seem to have a higher prevalence than males for this illness. Incidence within the general population is 1 in 3,000 citizens. People from Mediterranean and African ancestries, Jews, and Asian cultures rarely suffer from this disease. Children can also be affected. Patients who suffer from celiac disease may also experience additional autoimmune diseases like arthritis, systemic lupus, sojourn syndrome, down syndrome, intestinal cancer, lactose intolerance, type I diabetes, intestinal insuffici... ... middle of paper ... ...://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/celiac_disease/test.html. Accessed April 7, 2011. 11. Celiac Sprue Association. Treatment of Celiac Disease. Available at http://www.csaceliacs.org/celiac_treatment.php. Accessed April 10, 2011. 12. Celiac Disease Treatment Website. Available at http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/celiac-disease/celiac-disease-treatment. Accessed April 10, 2011. 13.Celiac Sprue. The Merck Manual. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec02/ch017/ch017d.html?qt=celiac%20disease&alt=sh#sec02-ch017-ch017d-1053 Accessed April 10, 2011. 14. Celiac Disease. Available at: http://www.answers.com/topic/what-is-the-prognosis-for-celiac-disease Accessed April 10, 2011. 15. Celiac Disease. Available at: http://www.worldgastroenterology.org/assets/downloads/en/pdf/guidelines/04_celiac_disease.pdf Accessed April 10, 2011.

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