Introduction:

the histological alteration in the small intestine of the celiac patients produces a poor absorption that deteriorates or hinder an optimal weight gain. This can be the result of an increase expression of the Th17 gluten-specific interleukins.

Objective:

the aim of this study was to compare the expression of Th17 interleukins in celiac patients with normal and overweight/obese nutritional status.

Methods:

a total of 22 patients with newly diagnosed celiac disease were eligible: 15 patients with normal weight and seven overweight/obese. Small intestine biopsies were taken for the evaluation of the expression of interleukins through real-time PCR.

Results:

expression levels of Th17 interleukins showed a tendency to be higher in intestinal biopsies of overweight/obese patients compared to normal weight celiac subjects; however, this difference was not statistical significant.

Conclusion:

body weight excess in celiac patients is not influenced by the expression levels of Th17 interleukins.

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