Abstract
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder induced by gluten in genetically predisposed people. The discovery of new biomarkers may help in the diagnosis and follow-up of celiac patients. Regenerating islet-derived 1 alpha (REGIα) – a biomarker related to tissue regeneration – is increased in serum at the onset of the disease, decreasing after gluten-free diet (GFD). As REGIα is a 18 kDa soluble glycoprotein, it may be detected in urine samples, increasing in celiac patients. We have determined REGIα levels by ELISA. No differences were found among patients (onset or after GFD) and controls and no correlation exists among REGIα in sera and urine.
Acknowledgements
We thank Mr Albert Briega (LIRAD BST, Badalona, Spain) for his help in the concentration of the samples. We are grateful to the volunteers, parents and children who participate in the study. This manuscript has been proofread by Mr Gary Shivel, a native English-speaking University Hospital Instructor of English.