The frequency of chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with CD decreased significantly on a gluten-free diet. We conclude that genomic instability is a secondary phenomenon, possibly caused by chronic intestinal inflammation.

The frequency of chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes was assessed in three groups of children: untreated coeliac disease (n = 20); noncoeliac disease enteropathies (n = 15); controls (n = 15). The mean frequency of aberrant cells and the total number of aberrations per 100 metaphases was increased in the coeliac disease group compared with controls by factors of 5 and 6, respectively (p < 0.01 for both). Aberrant cells and total aberrations were similarly increased in the non-coeliac disease enteropathy group by a factor of 3.7 in each case (p < 0.05). However, the frequency of aberrations in the two enteropathy groups was not significantly diVerent. Children with coeliac disease, similar to aVected adults, have evidence of increased chromosomal instability. However, similarly increased chromosomal aberrations are seen in children with non-coeliac disease enteropathies, indicating that the abnormality is not specific for coeliac disease. (Arch Dis Child 1998;78:466-468)

Patients with active celiac and newly diagnosed Crohn's disease, before treatment initiation, have a significantly increased number of chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes. No dissemination of intraepithelial cells in the blood and correlation to the chromosomal aberration was found.

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