Elevated gliadin antibody levels in individuals with schizophrenia

Abstract

Objectives. We aimed to replicate, in a larger sample and in a different geographical location, the previously reported elevation of anti-gliadin IgG antibodies in schizophrenia. Methods. A total of 950 adults with schizophrenia (severity assessed by PANSS) and 1000 healthy controls were recruited in the Munich metropolitan area. Anti-gliadin IgG antibodies were analyzed with ELISA. χ²-tests and logistic regression were used to analyze the association of schizophrenia with elevated anti-gliadin IgG. A multivariable general linear model was used to compare anti-gliadin IgG levels between patients and controls. Results. The odds ratio of having elevated anti-gliadin IgG antibodies in the schizophrenia group was 2.13 (95% CI 1.57 to 2.91, p < 0.0001). Mean anti-gliadin IgG levels were higher in schizophrenia patients (0.81 ± 0.79 vs. 0.52 ± 0.56, t = 9.529, df = 1,697, p < 0.0001) and the difference persisted after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions. Our study, limited by its cross sectional design, confirmed an association between anti-gliadin IgG antibodies and schizophrenia. Replication in longitudinal studies, clinical trials of gluten free diet and mechanistic investigation could lead to novel treatment targets, preventive and therapeutic considerations in schizophrenia.

Key words::

• Gliadin
• Schizophrenia
• Anti-gliadin IgG antibody
• Celiac
• Gluten sensitivity

Acknowledgments

None.

Statement of interest

This work was Supported by a grant from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (PI Postolache, co PI Rujescu). Dr. Postolache was additionally supported by the Veterans Administration Capitol Health Care Network (VISN 5) Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Baltimore, MD, and Dr. Okusaga by the Psychiatry Residency Training Program of the St. Elizabeths Hospital, DC Department of Mental Health, Washington DC. Stanley Medical Research Institute supported Dr. Robert Yolken and the laboratory analysis of anti-gliadin IgG antibodies. None of the authors has any conflict of interest to declare.