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In recent years, testing
for gluten sensitivity and celiac sprue usually is initiated with blood tests
for antibodies against gliadin, the toxic subfraction of wheat gluten, or for
an antiendomysial antibody that is produced against an enzyme present in the
intestine and elsewhere in the body called tissue transglutaminase. These tests
have revolutionized testing for celiac sprue because they allow for detection
of the syndrome before extensive irreparable damage to the intestine, bones,
and other tissues has occurred. Up until recently it was thought that nearly
all patients with clinically important gluten sensitivity had these antibodies
detectable in blood. However, recent studies, including my own, have shown that
this is not true. In the early phases of the reaction, or especially when the
disease is of a more mild variety, antigliadin and antiendomysial/antitissue
transglutaminase antibodies may be absent from blood. Knowing that the immune
reaction to gluten and other foods takes place inside the intestinal tract, we
began testing the hypothesis that these antibodies may be present in the
intestinal tract in gluten sensitive individuals, even if they are absent from
blood. Extensive research has revealed that this hypothesis is true, and has
resulted in the development of new methods for detection of gluten sensitivity,
celiac sprue, and other food sensitivities (U.S. and International patents
pending). This test has shown to be 100% sensitive for picking up celiac sprue
in those so affected. This test is being offered at an affordable price by
EnteroLab.
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