Serum Mannan-Binding Lectin Levels in Patients with Celiac Disease: An Analysis of Clinical and Autoimmune Features

Abstract

Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is the central protein in the activation of complement through the lectin pathway. MBL plasma concentration is genetically determined and varies significantly among individuals. Recent findings suggest that MBL is associated with the pathogenesis of celiac disease (CD). In this study, MBL and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were determined in 101 celiac patients and 120 controls, with the aim to associate with the presence of gluten in the diet, disease severity, and the presence of concomitant autoimmune diseases. MBL concentration was determined by ELISA and CRP by nephelometry, using a high-sensitivity method. EmA-IgA and other autoantibodies were tested by indirect immunofluorescence. Although a significant increase in MBL levels was observed in male patients compared to female (P = 0.024), the absence of any other association suggests that circulating MBL and CRP concentrations are not associated with clinical and autoimmune CD features in Brazilian patients.

Serological and Clinical Follow-Up of Relatives of Celiac Disease Patients from Southern Brazil

“…In conclusion, when Biagi and Corazza [33] recently asked if first-degree relatives of CD patients are at an increased risk of developing CD, the experience of the authors [1,3,34,35] and the present results allow us to answer the question affirmatively, especially in relation to the Brazilian population. Undoubtedly, based on its high predictive negative value (100%), only HLA DQ2 and DQ8 typing of serologically negative individuals would make it possible to exclude individuals who are at risk of developing CD in affected families.…”

Depressed activation of the lectin pathway of complement in hereditary angioedema

“…MBL level exhibits ethnic variation [27]. A difference of approximately 1-3 mg/l on average in mean MBL serum concentrations has been reported from previous studies [27][28][29]. Our results were in complete agreement with these data, as the median levels of MBL were 1·7 mg/ml in healthy controls and 2·3 mg/l in subjects with C1INH deficiency.…”

The characterisation and risk factors of ischaemic heart disease in patients with coeliac disease

“…The lack of substantial difference in CRP levels either implies that systemic inflammation is not important for IHD risk in CD or (more likely) that CRP is not an optimal marker of systemic inflammation in CD. Studies have shown elevated levels of various interleukins and tumour necrosis factor in active CD, but elevated CRP has not been associated with CD in the few published studies on this topic . Another autoimmune disease, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), has similarly been linked to an increased risk of atherosclerosis potentially due to chronic inflammation in SLE as these patients lack traditional IHD risk factors .…”

“…Studies have shown elevated levels of various interleukins and tumour necrosis factor 25 in active CD, but elevated CRP has not been associated with CD in the few published studies on this topic. 26,27 Another autoimmune disease, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), has similarly been linked to an increased risk of atherosclerosis potentially due to chronic inflammation in SLE as these patients lack traditional IHD risk factors. 28 Assessments of carotid plaques have shown that atherosclerosis is both more common and positively associated with disease duration in both SLE and rheumatoid arthritis.…”