Our results demonstrate a very high sensitivity and specificity of the RIA method to detect antitransglutaminase autoantibodies in comparison to ELISA and IF-EMA assays. We can explain this finding with the use of human recombinant antigen and the increased capacity of the RIA method to detect low titers of autoantibodies. If our data are confirmed by studies on larger series, tissue transglutaminase RIA could be proposed as the best screening method for celiac patients.

Because the in vitro challenge with PT-avenin and its C fraction did not induce EMA production in treated celiac disease patients, it appears that oats have no harmful effect on celiac disease. Therefore, oats can be safely included in a gluten-free diet.

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