Abstract
Objective. The B cell-activating factor of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) family (BAFF) was recently described as a critical survival factor for B cells, and its expression is increased in several autoimmune diseases. Abnormal production of BAFF disturbs immune tolerance allowing the survival of autoreactive B cells and participates in the progression of B-cell lymphomas. Coeliac disease (CD) is a common autoimmune disorder induced by gluten intake in genetically predisposed individuals, associated with autoantibody production and with an increased risk of lymphoma at follow-up. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible implications of BAFF in CD. Material and methods. Seventy-three patients with small-bowel biopsies and laboratory-proven diagnosis of CD were included in the study. All serum samples were analysed before the start of a gluten-free diet (GFD). In 12 cases, one or more samples were analysed during follow-up of the GFD. Seventy-seven blood donors were taken as controls. Serum BAFF levels and anti-transglutaminase (a-tTG) antibodies were assessed by ELISA and endomysial antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence. Results. Serum BAFF levels appeared to be significantly more elevated in CD patients than in controls (p
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1434-1439 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology |
Volume | 42 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2007 |
Keywords
- Anti-transglutaminase antibodies
- Autoimmunity
- B-cells
- BAFF/BlyS
- Coeliac disease
- Lymphoma
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Gastroenterology