Is a potential simplified method for diagnosing celiac disease within reach?
Celiac disease, an abnormal immune response to gluten, has been a diagnosis challenge. Most methods require a gluten challenge and biopsy of the small intestine. Now, a study published in Gastroenterology has a solution - a blood test called WBAIL-2.
The study evaluated the effectiveness of using a blood test that measures the interleukin-2 to diagnose celiac disease, even in those already following a gluten-free diet. The test was highly effective, offering another, more comfortable option for diagnosing celiac disease.
Does the WBAIL-2 Blood Test Really Work?
Celiac disease typically has a delayed or inadequate diagnosis. This test promises to change that, offering a biopsy-free alternative. The study involved 181 adult participants, 88 of which had celiac disease and others were controls.
The researchers collected blood samples from all participants and tested them using a WBAIL-2 assay, which measures the release of interleukin-2 in vitro after adding gluten peptides. The test was able to effectively confirm celiac disease, particularly for those with higher concentrations and fold change of interleukin-2.
However, the results were less sensitive for people with a specific, less common genotype. This limitation, as well as others, means more research is needed before the WBAIL-2 test can be fully used in the clinical setting.
The Novel Blood Test Predicts Celiac Disease Even in those on a Gluten-Free Diet
Researchers further tested participants' serum levels of interleukin-2 after they underwent an oral gluten challenge. The levels of interleukin-2 were higher for participants with celiac disease following the oral gluten challenge. The WBAIL-2 test results also correlated with the presence of gluten-specific T cells, which were higher among participants with celiac disease.
The researchers concluded that the WBAIL-2 assay could help with celiac disease diagnosis, even for those already on a gluten-free diet.
While more research is needed, this test offers a significant step forward in diagnosing celiac disease, making the process safer, more comfortable, and potentially increasing diagnosis rates among undiagnosed patients.
- The WBAIL-2 blood test, which measures interleukin-2, holds promise for a biopsy-free alternative to diagnose celiac disease, particularly for those with higher concentrations of interleukin-2.
- This novel blood test could help diagnose celiac disease even in individuals on a gluten-free diet, as it correlates with the presence of gluten-specific T cells.
- The study in Gastroenterology has highlighted the potential of the WBAIL-2 test in revolutionizing the diagnosis process of celiac disease, especially considering it bypasses the need for a gluten challenge and biopsy of the small intestine.
- Despite its effectiveness in diagnosing celiac disease, limitations in the WBAIL-2 test have been identified, such as its less sensitivity for people with a specific, less common genotype, requiring further research before full implementation in the clinical setting.
- As a breakthrough in the medical-conditions related to health-and-wellness, understanding, and managing chronic diseases like celiac disease, the WBAIL-2 test could potentially lead to the early detection of other autoimmune disorders, contributing to advancements in the science and immune system, gastrointestinal, and digestive health.
