Scientists have discovered that a certain kind of protein present in wheat can trigger the inflammation of chronic health conditions such as multiple sclerosis, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis besides contributing towards the development of non-coeliac gluten sensitivity.
Speaking about the breakthrough, the researchers said, As well as contributing to the development of bowel-related inflammatory conditions, we believe that ATIs can promote inflammation of other immune-related chronic conditions outside of the bowel. The type of gut inflammation seen in non-coeliac gluten sensitivity differs from that caused by coeliac disease, and we do not believe that this is triggered by gluten proteins.
Instead, we demonstrated that ATIs from wheat, that are also contaminating commercial gluten, activate specific types of immune cells in the gut and other tissues, thereby potentially worsening the symptoms of pre-existing inflammatory illnesses. We are hoping that this research can lead us towards being able to recommend an ATI-free diet to help treat a variety of potentially serious immunological disorders.The study was presented UEG Week 2016.