Research is being done to try to determine WHY there has been an increase of Celiac Disease in children under two years of age in Sweden. Was it immunizations, diet or genetics?
Between 1984 and 1996,Celiac Disease in Sweden increased 4 times the normal rate of the disease, in children under the age of two.Researchers have been trying to figure out why. Read the complete article at MSN – http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47965462/ns/health-childrens_health/#.T-yZdphQSSp
In March, 2012 there was an article in the READER’S DIGEST with information regarding the development of a vaccine which would provide a tolerance to gluten. The vaccine, however, would only be effective in Celiacs with a specific genetic form of the disease.For more information click on the link above
It is always encouraging to see the new research trying to find cures for Celiac disease. Here is some new research that may unlock some keys and give new hope to Celiacs
“Alba Therapeutics Corporation presented results from two clinical studies this week at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2008 Annual Scientific Meeting. Data from study CLIN 1001-004, the first Phase IIa trial conducted in celiac disease and the first to assess the prevention of immunologic changes in celiac disease, showed that larazotide acetate (AT-1001) successfully demonstrated prevention of gluten-induced immunologic changes in celiac patients.
Results from the study showed that larazotide acetate is the first pharmacologic agent to prevent changes in blood mononuclear cell populations (specifically T-reg cells and B Cells) and other markers of immunological change associated with active celiac disease. This data suggests that larazotide acetate offers potential as a future treatment of celiac disease. Results from a second poster presented at ACG showed that larazotide acetate also inhibited the effect of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and interleukin (IL-4) on intestinal epithelial permeability, in vitro, further suggesting that the product offers potential as a future treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Larazotide Acetate is a novel, non-absorbed peptide currently being studied in Phase IIb trials for the treatment of celiac disease. Larazotide acetate has the potential to become the first approved medicine to treat celiac disease and has been granted “Fast Track” designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this indication.
Celiac disease affects approximately one percent of individuals in the United States and Europe, or approximately 6.5 million individuals. The only accepted management for the disease is a strict gluten-free diet; however, the response to therapy is poor or incomplete in up to 30 percent of patients. These facts suggest that there is a need for therapeutic modalities beyond dietary modification.
Related data presented in a third poster at ACG include results from a qualitative study conducted to investigate the validity of the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) in patients with celiac disease. The GSRS is a validated measure used in clinical trials for irritable bowel syndrome and peptic ulcer disease. GSRS has been utilized in studies to assess larazotide acetate, including CLIN 1001-004 and CLIN 1001-006. Results from the poster presentation suggest that certain subscales of the GSRS may have relevance for use in establishing the efficacy of novel treatments for celiac disease. This is the first time the validity of the GSRS clinical scale has been studied in celiac disease to assess efficacy of treatments.”
Source Medical News Today
Kids suffering from celiac disease should include certain must-have vitamins in their diets to prevent weak bones and osteoporosis, according to researchers at the University of Alberta.
A study of 43 children and teens from three to 18 years of age diagnosed with celiac disease showed that they also tended to have low bone density, likely due to poor intake and absorption of vitamins and minerals.
In other words, they should be getting more of bone-boosting vitamins such as K and D in their diets, said Diana Mager, a professor of agricultural, food and nutritional science at the U of A, and one of the researchers on the project.
“Children with celiac disease are at risk for poor bone health, but by adding vitamins K and D to their diets, it can help reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis,” said Mager.
The study revealed that the children were getting less than 50 per cent of their recommended dietary intake of Vitamin K, and that they also suffered from low levels of Vitamin D, which can be raised through increased exposure to sunlight and by eating fortified dairy products.
Mager also recommended that children with celiac disease include physical activity in their daily routines to build their bone strength and boost their Vitamin D intake by exercising outside.
“Enjoying activities such as walking and running outdoors when there is more sunshine is a great way to contribute to healthy bones,” said Mager.
Source: The Times of India | Health – http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-07-23/health/28299440_1_celiac-disease-low-bone-density-vitamins
Researchers discovered gluten was an environmental cause of celiac disease 60 years ago.
In a study, 244 people with celiac disease in Australia and the United Kingdom ate bread, rye muffins or boiled barley over three days. About a week later, blood samples were taken to measure the strength of their immune responses.
The findings could be used to develop a treatment, known as peptide-based immunotherapy. It involves injecting people with celiac disease with the toxic peptides to gradually build up their tolerance.
It would be a “miracle” if people with celiac disease could stop worrying about accidentally eating gluten, said Geraldine Georgeou, a dietitian on the board of Australia’s Gut Foundation. “That could be quite a way off unfortunately,” said Georgeou, who has celiac disease herself.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/07/22/celiac-disease-gluten.html#ixzz0uytTpKaE – http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2010/07/22/celiac-disease-gluten.html#ixzz0uytTpKaE