What is the significance of Amylase-Trypsin Inhibitors (ATI) in wheat?

From the Guidelines

Amylase-Trypsin Inhibitors (ATI) in wheat are significant because they activate the innate immune system and contribute to overall wheat sensitivity.

Key Points

• ATIs are a type of wheat protein that can trigger an immune response 1
• They are known to activate the innate immune system, leading to inflammation and contributing to wheat sensitivity 1
• Wheat sensitivity can manifest in various ways, including celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and non-celiac wheat sensitivity, affecting up to 10% of the population 1
• ATIs are distinct from other wheat proteins like gliadin and glutenin, which are also implicated in wheat sensitivity 1
• The exact mechanisms of ATI-induced immune activation are not fully understood, but they are thought to play a role in the development of wheat-related disorders 1

From the Research

Significance of Amylase-Trypsin Inhibitors (ATI) in Wheat

• ATIs are a type of protein found in wheat that can cause adverse reactions in some individuals, including respiratory and food allergy, and intestinal responses associated with coeliac disease and non-coeliac wheat sensitivity 2, 3.
• ATIs occur in multiple isoforms, which can differ in their bioactive effects on the human body, including enzyme inhibition, inflammation, and immune responses 2.
• The structure and activity of ATIs can be affected by food processing, such as exposure to heat, moisture, salt, acid, and fermentation, although the impact of these changes on human health is not fully understood 2.
• ATIs have been shown to contribute to natural defense against pests and pathogens in wheat, but they may also play a role in human disease, including coeliac disease, non-coeliac wheat sensitivity, and other conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis 3, 4, 5, 6.

Biological Activity of ATIs

• ATIs can activate the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on myeloid cells, leading to an inflammatory response in the intestine and potentially contributing to various diseases 4, 5, 6.
• The biological activity of ATIs can vary depending on the specific isoform and the food in which they are present, with modern gluten-containing staples tend to have higher levels of TLR4-activating ATIs than gluten-free foods or older wheat variants 4.
• ATIs can also impact the gut microbiota and metabolic changes in the body, which may contribute to the development or exacerbation of certain diseases 5, 6.

Potential Health Implications

• The consumption of ATIs has been linked to various health conditions, including coeliac disease, non-coeliac wheat sensitivity, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis 3, 4, 5, 6.
• The impact of ATIs on human health may be influenced by factors such as the amount and type of ATI consumed, individual tolerance, and the presence of other dietary components that may interact with ATIs 2, 3.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of ATIs on human health and to develop strategies for reducing or eliminating their potential harmful effects 2, 3.