[Antibodies against alfa-enolase as an indication of inflammatory process in patients with celiac disease--preliminary results].

INTRODUCTION

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmunological gluten sensitive enteropathy occuring to genetically predisposed individuals. Active CD is accompanied by presence of multiple antibodies. Anti alpha enolase antibodies were reported in several autoimmunological disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, primary sclerosing cholangitis. Data about its presence and role in CD is avaricious.

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine presence of anti alpha enolase antibodies in CD, correlation with gluten exposure, presence of anti tranglutaminase antibodies and Marsh scale.

METHODS

Sera from 31 patients with CD (21 females, 10 males) and 6 healthy subjects were collected. Evaluation of CD activity and adherence to gluten free diet were obtained by serology tests (presence of endomyslum antibodies and/or anti transglutamineses in IgA or IgG classes) and histological hallmarks. Anti alpha enolase antibodies were identified in sera using ELISA kit. Titres of anti alpha enolase antibodies were identified among patients with newly diagnosed CD, CD patients non adhering to gluten free diet (GFD), adhering to GFD and among healthy subjects.

RESULTS

Mean titre of anti alpha enolase antibodies was higher in CD patients (both treated and non treated) in comparison to control group, respectively 1.1 ng/mL, and 0.795 ngl mL. Among CD patients non adhering to gluten free diet mean titre was 1.4 ng/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher anti alpha enolase antibodies titres in non treated CD suggest usefulness of its measurement. These antibodies might be a novel marker of chronic inflammation among CD patients non adhering to GFD.