Systemic Autoimmune Disorders in Celiac Disease
Purpose of Review: Celiac disease is an immune-mediated disorder
clinically characterized by a multitude of symptoms and complications.
The comorbidity between celiac disease and other autoimmune disorders
has been clearly established.
Recent Findings: Two main theories
have been postulated to explain this comorbidity: (1) linkage
disequilibrium between the genes responsible for celiac disease and
those responsible for the coexpressed autoimmune diseases or (2)
untreated celiac disease leading to the onset of other autoimmune
diseases. This article reviews the current literature supporting either
theory and places the current knowledge in the field within the context
of the most recent data on the pathogenesis of celiac disease.
Summary: The current literature did
not clearly establish which of the two theories explain the comorbidity
between celiac disease and other autoimmune disorders. There is,
however, growing evidence that the loss of the intestinal barrier
function typical of celiac disease could be responsible of the onset of
other autoimmune disease. This concept implies that the autoimmune
response can be theoretically stopped and perhaps reversed if the
interplay between autoimmune predisposing genes and trigger(s) is
prevented or eliminated by a prompt diagnosis and treatment.
