COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 392
triggering an inflammatory immune response. Although it primarily
affects the skin, patients with dermatitis herpetiformis have the
same gluten-sensitive enteropathy as those with celiac disease,
though often with milder or no digestive symptoms. The condition
responds dramatically to strict gluten elimination, though recovery
of the skin may take significantly longer than intestinal healing [41].
Gluten Ataxia
Gluten ataxia is an autoimmune neurological condition
characterized by damage to the cerebellum, the part of the brain
responsible for coordination and motor control. It presents with
progressive difficulty with balance, coordination, and fine motor
skills. Gluten ataxia occurs when antibodies produced against
gluten cross-react with cerebellar tissues, particularly through
antibodies targeting transglutaminase-6, which is primarily
expressed in the brain. This condition can occur with or without
intestinal symptoms or damage, meaning patients may have
negative conventional celiac testing despite significant
neurological impairment. Early recognition and strict gluten
elimination are essential, as neurological damage may become
irreversible if treatment is delayed. Studies have demonstrated
that cerebellar atrophy can be halted, and in some cases,
neurological function can improve with strict dietary compliance
[42].
Traditional diagnostic approaches focus primarily on testing
anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG) and occasionally
deamidated gliadin peptides (DGP).
However, research has shown that immune reactions can occur
against dozens of distinct wheat and gluten proteins and
peptides, many of which are not evaluated in conventional
testing [3]. This diagnostic gap has led to the development of
more comprehensive testing approaches, represented by Cyrex
Arrays 3X and 4.
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