Gluten/Wheat-Related Disorders: The Role of Nutrition, Gut Barrier, Microbiota, and New Therapeutic Strategies
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2025) | Viewed by 689
Special Issue Editor
2. Policlinico Paolo Giaccone, Via del Vespro 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy
Interests: celiac disease; nutrition; non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity; irritable bowel syndrome; inflammatory bowel diseases; molecular biology; Fabry disease
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Gluten-related disorders (GRDs) include distinct conditions, specifically celiac disease (CD), wheat allergy (WA), and non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCGWS).
The gut microbiome plays a vital role in immune regulation, and alterations in its composition may be associated with GRDs, including CD. Certain bacteria might enhance immune responses by mimicking gliadin or exacerbating intestinal inflammation with gluten. The microbiome also affects the development of antigens, intestinal permeability, and the production of pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokines. Genetic predispositions and early life experiences significantly shape the initial gut microbiome.
Disruptions in the epithelial barrier have also been observed across all three of these clinical conditions. However, its potential role as a pathogenetic co-factor—especially in CD and NCGWS—remains under investigation.
Currently, the sole effective treatment for CD is a stringent GFD. However, some patients continue to experience symptoms and exhibit partial villus atrophy due to gluten exposure, indicating that the GFD may not fully manage symptoms. Emerging therapeutic strategies being explored include gluten proteolysis, removal of gluten from the digestive system, promotion of tight junction integrity, inhibition of transglutaminase 2, utilization of probiotics, and immunotherapy.
This Special Issue of IJMS aims to showcase the latest developments in GFD for CD and other GRDs from a comprehensive viewpoint. It covers areas such as diet and nutrition, innovative techniques for gluten analysis, evaluation of gut barrier integrity, case reports featuring molecular-level data analysis, and complementary or alternative treatments, such as gluten-free wheat flours, probiotics, and medications.
Dr. Lisa Lungaro
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- gluten-related disorders
- celiac disease
- non celiac gluten wheat sensitivity
- gluten free diet
- microbiota
- gut barrier
- probiotics
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