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Brindicci VF, Franceschini S, Gnasso I, Alcini P, Tassi EA, Santarelli L, Cristofori F, Dargenio VN, Castellaneta S, Francavilla R. Self-Reported Nonceliac Gluten Sensitivity in Italian Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study. A Dietary Fad? Am J Gastroenterol 2024; 119:2114-2121. [PMID: 38874216 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In different countries, the exact prevalence of people that refer symptoms after gluten ingestion is increasing and the unavailability of reliable laboratory tests to diagnose the condition known as nonceliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) has opened the door to the spread of survey-based studies to hypothesize a prevalence of this condition with highly discordant results. We aim to describe the attitude toward gluten consumption in a large population of young adults in Italy. METHODS A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 Italian cities to investigate the dietary attitudes of more than 9,400 people distributed throughout the country about gluten consumption. Only those referring to gluten-related symptoms with a frequency equal to "always" or "most of the time" were considered self-reported NCGS (SR-NCGS) patients. RESULTS Five thousand two hundred thirty-four of 9,432 eligible participants (55.5%) fully completed the questionnaire. Excluding those with previous gastrointestinal diagnoses of celiac disease and wheat allergy, we have finally analyzed 4,987 questionnaires. Four hundred eighty-seven participants indicated gluten-related symptoms always or most of the time (SR-NCGS subjects), while 121 already had a medical diagnosis of NCGS. The minimum prevalence figure of SR-NCGS is 6.4% (95% confidence interval 6.0-6.9), with a higher prevalence in women (79.9%). The most frequent gluten-related symptoms were bloating, abdominal pain, and tiredness. DISCUSSION The high prevalence of people reporting symptoms after gluten ingestion requires that the diagnosis of NCGS should be ascertained with a double-blind controlled study to limit the number of people who improperly approach a gluten-free diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Fara Brindicci
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Pediatric Section, Children's Hospital "Giovanni XXIII," University of Bari "Aldo Moro," Bari, Italy
| | - Simone Franceschini
- University of Chieti, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Chieti, Italy
| | - Ilaria Gnasso
- Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Paride Alcini
- University of Chieti, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Lorenzo Santarelli
- University of Chieti, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Chieti, Italy
| | - Fernanda Cristofori
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Pediatric Section, Children's Hospital "Giovanni XXIII," University of Bari "Aldo Moro," Bari, Italy
| | - Vanessa Nadia Dargenio
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Pediatric Section, Children's Hospital "Giovanni XXIII," University of Bari "Aldo Moro," Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Castellaneta
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Pediatric Section, Children's Hospital "Giovanni XXIII," University of Bari "Aldo Moro," Bari, Italy
| | - Ruggiero Francavilla
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Pediatric Section, Children's Hospital "Giovanni XXIII," University of Bari "Aldo Moro," Bari, Italy
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Seidita A, Giuliano A, Soresi M, Chiavetta M, Nardi E, Mogavero G, Giannone G, Carroccio A, Mansueto P. Fecal calprotectin levels in patients with non-celiac wheat sensitivity: a proof of concept. Intern Emerg Med 2024; 19:1255-1266. [PMID: 38609737 PMCID: PMC11364563 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-024-03595-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Some data suggest the existence of intestinal inflammation in patients with non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS). We aimed to verify whether fecal calprotectin (FCP), a marker of intestinal inflammation, could be used to confirm this inflammatory status and to test its diagnostic performance in differentiating NCWS from irritable bowel syndrome/functional dyspepsia (IBS/FD). We conducted a multicenter study, comparing NCWS patients, diagnosed by a double-blind placebo-controlled wheat challenge, with IBS/FD subjects. In the retrospective phase, FCP values were analyzed to define the prevalence of its positivity and its role as a NCWS diagnostic biomarker. In the prospective phase we tested the effects of a strict 6-month wheat-free diet (WFD) on FCP values. 31.3% (n = 63/201) of NCWS patients had above normal FCP values (NCWS FCP +), whereas all IBS/FD patients proved negative (P = 0.0001). FCP using a cut-off value > 41 µg/g showed a 58.6% sensitivity and a 98.0% specificity (AUC 0.755, 95% C.I. 0.702-0.837) in distinguishing NCWS from IBS/FD patients. Of the 63 NCWS FCP+, 65.1% had negative FCP values after ≥ 6 months of WFD, with a significant reduction in FCP values (P < 0.0001). All NCWS FCP- subjects still preserved negative FCP values after ≥ 6 months of WFD. Our study showed that FCP can be a useful but supplementary diagnostic marker for differentiating between NCWS and IBS/FD. Strict WFD adherence reduced FCP values, normalizing them in 65.1% of NCWS FCP + subjects. These data suggest the existence of two NCWS subgroups: NCWS FCP + characterized by a probable predominantly inflammatory/immunologic pattern and NCWS FCP- featuring non-immuno-mediated etiopathogenetic mechanisms. (Registration number NCT01762579).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelio Seidita
- Unit of Internal Medicine, "V. Cervello" Hospital, Ospedali Riuniti "Villa Sofia-Cervello", Via Trabucco, 180, 90146, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Giuliano
- Unit of Internal Medicine, "V. Cervello" Hospital, Ospedali Riuniti "Villa Sofia-Cervello", Via Trabucco, 180, 90146, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maurizio Soresi
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marta Chiavetta
- Unit of Internal Medicine, "V. Cervello" Hospital, Ospedali Riuniti "Villa Sofia-Cervello", Via Trabucco, 180, 90146, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Emilio Nardi
- Unit of Internal Medicine II, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mogavero
- Unit of Gastroenterology, "V. Cervello" Hospital, Ospedali Riuniti "Villa Sofia-Cervello", Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulio Giannone
- Pathology Unit, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Carroccio
- Unit of Internal Medicine, "V. Cervello" Hospital, Ospedali Riuniti "Villa Sofia-Cervello", Via Trabucco, 180, 90146, Palermo, Italy.
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Pasquale Mansueto
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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de Graaf MC, Timmers E, Bonekamp B, van Rooy G, Witteman BJ, Shewry PR, Lovegrove A, America AH, Gilissen LJ, Keszthelyi D, Brouns FJ, Jonkers DMAE. Two randomized crossover multicenter studies investigating gastrointestinal symptoms after bread consumption in individuals with noncoeliac wheat sensitivity: do wheat species and fermentation type matter? Am J Clin Nutr 2024; 119:896-907. [PMID: 38373694 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many individuals reduce their bread intake because they believe wheat causes their gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Different wheat species and processing methods may affect these responses. OBJECTIVES We investigated the effects of 6 different bread types (prepared from 3 wheat species and 2 fermentation conditions) on GI symptoms in individuals with self-reported noncoeliac wheat sensitivity (NCWS). METHODS Two parallel, randomized, double-blind, crossover, multicenter studies were conducted. NCWS individuals, in whom coeliac disease and wheat allergy were ruled out, received 5 slices of yeast fermented (YF) (study A, n = 20) or sourdough fermented (SF) (study B, n = 20) bread made of bread wheat, spelt, or emmer in a randomized order on 3 separate test days. Each test day was preceded by a run-in period of 3 d of a symptom-free diet and separated by a wash-out period of ≥7 d. GI symptoms were evaluated by change in symptom score (test day minus average of the 3-d run-in period) on a 0-100 mm visual analogue scale (ΔVAS), comparing medians using the Friedman test. Responders were defined as an increase in ΔVAS of ≥15 mm for overall GI symptoms, abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, bloating, and/or flatulence. RESULTS GI symptoms did not differ significantly between breads of different grains [YF bread wheat median ΔVAS 10.4 mm (IQR 0.0-17.8 mm), spelt 4.9 mm (-7.6 to 9.4 mm), emmer 11.0 mm (0.0-21.3 mm), P = 0.267; SF bread wheat 10.5 mm (-3.1 to 31.5 mm), spelt 11.3 mm (0.0-15.3 mm), emmer 4.0 mm (-2.9 to 9.3 mm), P = 0.144]. The number of responders was also comparable for both YF (6 to wheat, 5 to spelt, and 7 to emmer, P = 0.761) and SF breads (9 to wheat, 7 to spelt, and 8 to emmer, P = 0.761). CONCLUSIONS The majority of NCWS individuals experienced some GI symptoms for ≥1 of the breads, but on a group level, no differences were found between different grains for either YF or SF breads. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04084470 (https://classic. CLINICALTRIALS gov/ct2/show/NCT04084470).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlijne Cg de Graaf
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands; NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Emma Timmers
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands; NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Bo Bonekamp
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands; NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Gonny van Rooy
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands; NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Ben Jm Witteman
- Division Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Gelderse Vallei Hospital, Ede, The Netherlands; Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Antoine Hp America
- Business Unit Bioscience, Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Luud Jwj Gilissen
- Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Keszthelyi
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands; NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Fred Jph Brouns
- NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, The Netherlands; Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Daisy M A E Jonkers
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands; NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.
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Ramedani N, Seidita A, Asri N, Azimirad M, Yadegar A, Jahani-Sherafat S, Sharifan A, Mansueto P, Carroccio A, Rostami-Nejad M. The Gliadin Hydrolysis Capacity of B. longum, L. acidophilus, and L. plantarum and Their Protective Effects on Caco-2 Cells against Gliadin-Induced Inflammatory Responses. Nutrients 2023; 15:2769. [PMID: 37375673 DOI: 10.3390/nu15122769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS) is a poorly understood gluten-related disorder (GRD) and its prominent symptoms can be ameliorated by gluten avoidance. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a probiotic mixture in hydrolyzing gliadin peptides (toxic components of gluten) and suppressing gliadin-induced inflammatory responses in Caco-2 cells. METHODS Wheat dough was fermented with a probiotic mix for 0, 2, 4, and 6 h. The effect of the probiotic mix on gliadin degradation was monitored by SDS-PAGE. The expression levels of IL-6, IL-17A, INF-γ, IL-10, and TGF-β were evaluated using ELISA and qRT-PCR methods. RESULTS According to our findings, fermenting wheat dough with a mix of B. longum, L. acidophilus, and L. plantarum for 6 h was effective in gliadin degradation. This process also reduced levels of IL-6 (p = 0.004), IL-17A (p = 0.004), and IFN-γ (p = 0.01) mRNA, as well as decreased IL-6 (p = 0.006) and IFN-γ (p = 0.0009) protein secretion. 4 h fermentation led to a significant decrease in IL-17A (p = 0.001) and IFN-γ (p = 0.003) mRNA, as well as reduced levels of IL-6 (p = 0.002) and IFN-γ (p < 0.0001) protein secretion. This process was also observed to increase the expression levels of IL-10 (p < 0.0001) and TGF-β (p < 0.0001) mRNA. CONCLUSIONS 4 h fermentation of wheat flour with the proposed probiotic mix might be a good strategy to develop an affordable gluten-free wheat dough for NCWS and probably other GRD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najmeh Ramedani
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 9311634719, Iran
| | - Aurelio Seidita
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Nastaran Asri
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717411, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Azimirad
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717411, Iran
| | - Abbas Yadegar
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717411, Iran
| | - Somayeh Jahani-Sherafat
- Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1416634793, Iran
| | - Anousheh Sharifan
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 9311634719, Iran
| | - Pasquale Mansueto
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Carroccio
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mohammad Rostami-Nejad
- Celiac Disease and Gluten Related Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717411, Iran
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Mansueto P, Seidita A, Soresi M, Giuliano A, Riccio G, Volta U, Caio G, La Blasca F, Disclafani R, De Giorgio R, Carroccio A. Anemia in non-celiac wheat sensitivity: Prevalence and associated clinical and laboratory features. Dig Liver Dis 2023; 55:735-742. [PMID: 36535870 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2022.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients suffering from non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS) frequently report extra-intestinal symptoms, such as anemia. AIMS We investigated the prevalence and associated clinical features of anemia in NCWS patients. METHODS Data from 244 NCWS patients, diagnosed by double-blind placebo-controlled wheat challenge, were retrospectively reviewed and compared with 2 control groups (celiac disease (CD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)). Furthermore, 31 NCWS anemic patients were prospectively re-evaluated after at least 12 months on the "strict" wheat-free diet (WFD). RESULTS Anemia prevalence in NCWS patients was 34.8% (mean hemoglobin 10.4 ± 1.4 g/dl), significantly higher than in IBS (17.4%, P = 0.03), but not in CD ones. The NCWS group, on the whole, had sideropenic-like features with low serum iron and altered iron deposits. Both anemia prevalence and sideropenic-like features were more evident in CD than in NCWS patients, whereas only a few IBS subjects showed such features. Significant differences were found in anemic vs non-anemic NCWS patients as regards to female sex, diagnostic delay, poly/hypermenorrhea, iron deficiency, and higher TSH values. A long-term WFD significantly reduced anemia and improved iron metabolism. CONCLUSION Microcytic/hypochromic anemia and altered iron metabolism occur frequently in NCWS and can be treated with a long-term strict WFD. NCWS should be included in differential diagnosis of anemic patients with "functional gastrointestinal troubles".
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Mansueto
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Aurelio Seidita
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maurizio Soresi
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Giuliano
- Unit of Internal Medicine, "V. Cervello" Hospital, Ospedali Riuniti "Villa Sofia-Cervello", 90146, Palermo, Italy; Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgia Riccio
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Umberto Volta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giacomo Caio
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco La Blasca
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosaria Disclafani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia (IZSS), 90129, Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonio Carroccio
- Unit of Internal Medicine, "V. Cervello" Hospital, Ospedali Riuniti "Villa Sofia-Cervello", 90146, Palermo, Italy; Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
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Seidita A, Mansueto P, Giuliano A, Chiavetta M, Mandreucci F, Soresi M, Pistone M, Compagnoni S, Castellucci D, Bisso G, Faraci F, Maestri S, Disclafani R, Sapone A, Fasano A, Carroccio A. Potential tolerability of ancient grains in non-celiac wheat sensitivity patients: A preliminary evaluation. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:995019. [PMID: 36250065 PMCID: PMC9554215 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.995019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims A wheat-free diet (WFD) represents the elective treatment for Non-celiac Wheat Sensitivity (NCWS) patients. Preliminary reports have shown a possible better tolerability of ancient grains in these subjects. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the frequency of consumption of ancient grains and its correlation with clinical manifestations in NCWS patients. Methods 223 NCWS patients were recruited, and their consumption of ancient grains was monitored. Participants were first administered a modified version of the Pavia/Biagi questionnaire to investigate their adherence to “modern WFD.” The appearance/exacerbation of symptoms after ingestion of ancient grains was then assessed with WHO toxicity grading scale. Results 50.2% of the recruited patients reported consuming ancient grains before NCWS diagnosis; the diagnostic delay in this group was significantly higher than in non-consumers [median (range) 72 (6–612) vs. 60 months (3–684), P = 0.03] and these patients reported lower frequency of constipation (P = 0.04). Of the 107 patients with optimal adherence to modern WFD, 14 reported eating ancient wheat after NCWS diagnosis. Among them, 5 reported milder symptoms than those caused by modern wheat intake and 3 had an excellent tolerability without symptoms. Timilia/Tumminia variety was the most frequently used ancient grain. Conclusions NCWS patients who consume ancient grains may receive a late diagnosis due to the possible clinical benefit (tolerability) obtained with these grains. Even after diagnosis, 10% of the patients still consumed ancient grains and had mild or no symptoms. Further studies are required to define the pathophysiological mechanism behind their putative greater tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelio Seidita
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Pasquale Mansueto
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Giuliano
- Unit of Internal Medicine, “V. Cervello” Hospital, Ospedali Riuniti “Villa Sofia-Cervello”, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marta Chiavetta
- Unit of Internal Medicine, “V. Cervello” Hospital, Ospedali Riuniti “Villa Sofia-Cervello”, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca Mandreucci
- Unit of Internal Medicine, “V. Cervello” Hospital, Ospedali Riuniti “Villa Sofia-Cervello”, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maurizio Soresi
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mattia Pistone
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stella Compagnoni
- Unit of Internal Medicine, “V. Cervello” Hospital, Ospedali Riuniti “Villa Sofia-Cervello”, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniele Castellucci
- Unit of Internal Medicine, “V. Cervello” Hospital, Ospedali Riuniti “Villa Sofia-Cervello”, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Bisso
- Unit of Internal Medicine, “V. Cervello” Hospital, Ospedali Riuniti “Villa Sofia-Cervello”, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Faraci
- Unit of Internal Medicine, “V. Cervello” Hospital, Ospedali Riuniti “Villa Sofia-Cervello”, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Maestri
- Unit of Internal Medicine, “V. Cervello” Hospital, Ospedali Riuniti “Villa Sofia-Cervello”, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Anna Sapone
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Center for Celiac Research, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Alessio Fasano
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Center for Celiac Research, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Antonio Carroccio
- Unit of Internal Medicine, “V. Cervello” Hospital, Ospedali Riuniti “Villa Sofia-Cervello”, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- *Correspondence: Antonio Carroccio,
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