Gliadin IgA:
Why Gliadin IgA Test ?
CLINICAL INFORMATION
Gliadin (a type of prolamin) is a class of protein present in the cereals such as wheat (wheat belongs to genus Triticum, is a grass cultivated for its seed and this cereal grain is a worldwide staple food). The two main components of gluten fraction of the wheat seed are gliadins and glutenins. (i.e Gluten = Gliadin + Glutenin - These gliadins are components of gluten). They both are not soluble in water (non-soluble) and hence these gliadins cannot easily cross the intestinal epithelium, thus has to cross the intestinal barrier by the active transport mechanism. The main types of gliadins are - α, β, γ and Ѡ to which the body is intolerant to celiac disease. Gluten on acid or enzymatic treatment yields deamidated gliadins (which are water-soluble). Cellular immunity (T-helper and T-cytotoxic cells enter the intestinal epithelium and express NK receptors specific for gliadins and transaminases enzymes, thus causing the intraepithelial T cells to kill enterocytes by mediating apoptosis) is much greater against deamidated gliadin than alpha or beta gliadin, in celiac disease (a chronic immune-mediated intestinal disorder) or gluten intolerant patients, as it can result in symptomatic gluten-sensitive enteropathy (Gliadin protein – with specific amino acid sequence, provokes an auto-immune enteropathy caused by an abnormal immune response in genetically susceptible individuals). Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) is included in the spectrum of gluten-related disorders – a clinical entity induced by the ingestion of gluten, leading to intestinal and/or extra-intestinal symptoms. Usual gastrointestinal symptoms of celiac disease include IBS, abdominal pain, bloating, bowel habit abnormalities (like diarrhea, constipation), nausea, aerophagia, GERD, aphthous stomatitis. Extra-intestinal symptoms include headache, migraine, foggy mind, fibromyalgia, numbness in arms and legs, tingling extremities, depression anxiety etc. Some other clinical manifestations in rare cases of celiac disease include gluten ataxia (associated with other neurological conditions that appear to have a different HLA distribution) including loss of purkinji cells, gaze–evoked nystagmus and other ocular sign of cerebellar dysfunction, cerebellar ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, dermatitis herpetiformis, wheat allergy etc. Celiac disease is also usually associated with other autoimmune diseases such as DM, thyroiditis, psoriasis, vitiligo, autoimmune hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis etc. Complications of untreated celiac disease lead to mal-absorption, iron deficiency, osteoporosis increases the risk of intestinal lymphomas besides reducing the quality of life and also increasing the mortality rates. Immunoglobulins (also called as antibodies) are glycoprotein molecules synthesized by the plasma cells (White Blood Cells). Immunoglobulins kill foreign pathogens through 3 different types of mechanisms, such as – neutralization, opsonization and activation of the complement system. Immunoglobulin IgA is the main antibody in the mucosal surfaces of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory and genitourinary tract that provides the first line of defence against the invading pathogens from potential attack. Hence gliadin IgA antibody test is a screening (sensitive assay) test performed for the diagnosis of celiac disease. Other additional tests include gliadin (deamidated) Antibody test – against Deamidated Gliadin Protein epitopes (DGP), anti-tissue transglutaminase test, Biopsy- intestinal epithelial cells for histopathological tests, imaging studies etc.
General Instructions:
Sample Requirement: Specimen - Blood sample collected from the vein. Test Preparation: None.
NOTE - Sample for specimen collections may vary based on the patient’s condition/cases according to the patient’s presenting complaints/signs or symptoms:
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENT (Special or Rare Cases) - As instructed and guided by Physician / Clinician / Pathologist / as per Laboratory’s requirements, according to procedures and protocols.
This Multi-Specialty Clinical Referral Laboratory RT DIAGNOSTICS provides precise and accurate tests with an extensive range of testing services to the medical centres to help in the diagnosis and identification of pathology in the test specimens for infectious diseases and also to evaluate the function of organ systems of the patient. It prevents further complications and helps to stabilize and restore health to near normalcy at the earliest without delay.
