Antibody assay for tissue transglutaminase is used to evaluate patients suspected of having celiac disease, including patients with typical clinical symptoms, atypical symptoms, and people at high risk due to family history, diagnosis of associated disease, and positive molecular test. Antibody assay against tissue transglutaminase is also used to monitor the adherence of patients with dermatitis herpetiformis and celiac disease to their gluten-free diet.
Gliadin and gluten are proteins mainly found in wheat and wheat products. Patients suffering from celiac disease (or otherwise gluten enteropathy) cannot tolerate the consumption of these proteins or any products containing wheat (as well as barley and rye). These proteins are toxic to the mucosa of the small intestine and cause characteristic pathological lesions. Patients with celiac disease develop severe gastrointestinal symptoms of malabsorption. The only effective celiac disease treatment is abstaining from wheat and wheat-containing products.
When a patient with celiac disease consumes foods containing wheat (or barley or rye), gluten and gliadin accumulate in the intestinal mucosa. These proteins (and their metabolites) cause immediate mucosal damage. In addition, IgA immunoglobulins against gliadin, endomysium, and tissue transglutaminase (tTG) are expressed in the intestinal mucosa and serum of patients. Identifying specific antibodies in the blood of patients with malabsorption is very useful in supporting the diagnosis of celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis. However, a definitive diagnosis of celiac disease can only be made when the characteristic pathological intestinal lesions of celiac disease are found (by biopsy). Also, the patient's symptoms should improve when on a special gluten-free restrictive diet. Both conditions are necessary for the diagnosis of the disease.
The determination of these antibodies in patients with celiac disease can be used to monitor disease progression and adherence to dietary guidelines. In addition, these antibodies are indicative of successful treatment because they are negative in patients on a gluten-free diet.
Common clinical manifestations of celiac disease associated with gastrointestinal inflammation include abdominal pain, malabsorption, diarrhea, or constipation. However, the clinical symptoms of the disease are not limited to the gastrointestinal tract. Other common manifestations of celiac disease may include developmental retardation (delayed puberty and low stature), iron deficiency, repeated miscarriages, osteoporosis, chronic fatigue, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, dental enamel hypoplasia, and dermatitis herpetiformis. Patients with celiac disease may also develop neuropsychiatric manifestations, including ataxia and peripheral neuropathy, and are at increased risk for developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The disease may also be associated with other clinical disorders such as thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome, and IgA immunodeficiency.
See also
- Deamidated Gliadin Peptides (DGP), IgA Antibodies
- Deamidated Gliadin Peptides (DGP), IgG Antibodies
- Endomysial Antibodies IgA, Serum
- Endomysial Antibodies IgG, Serum
- Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG), IgG Antibodies
- Celiac Disease, Genetic Testing
- Celiac Disease, Basic Profile
- Celiac Disease, Extended Profile
- Gluten Sensitivity Testing, Comprehensive Profile
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for diagnosing and monitoring all pathological conditions. Between 70% and 80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased."
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be analyzed based on each case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon, we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and contact your doctor to ensure you receive the best possible medical care.
