Can celiac disease cause elevated interleukin (IL) levels?

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Last updated: April 11, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Yes, celiac disease can cause a very high interleukin panel, as it triggers an autoimmune response and inflammation in the small intestine, leading to the release of various cytokines, including interleukins. Celiac disease is an immunological disorder induced by gluten ingestion in individuals with genetic susceptibility, characterized by villous atrophy, intra-epithelial lymphocytosis, and crypt hyperplasia of the small bowel, as described in the guidelines for best practices in monitoring established coeliac disease in adult patients 1. The disease primarily affects the small bowel, but the clinical manifestations are broad, comprising both intestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms. The inflammatory response involves the release of various cytokines, including interleukins such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-15, and IL-17, which can be significantly elevated in active celiac disease.

Some key points to consider:

  • Celiac disease is a chronic inflammatory state that improves when gluten-containing foods are excluded from the diet (gluten-free diet, GFD) 1.
  • The presence of anti-type 2 transglutaminase antibodies (TG2Ab) in the serum and duodenal histological alterations usually make the diagnosis straightforward 1.
  • The elevation of inflammatory markers, including interleukins, typically correlates with disease activity and intestinal damage 1.
  • Maintaining a strict gluten-free diet is essential for reducing inflammation and preventing complications in patients with celiac disease and elevated interleukin levels.

The guidelines for the diagnosis and management of adult coeliac disease, as outlined in the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines 1, emphasize the importance of a strict gluten-free diet in managing the disease and reducing inflammation. Therefore, if you have celiac disease and elevated interleukin levels, it is crucial to maintain a strict gluten-free diet to reduce inflammation and prevent complications.

From the Research

Celiac Disease and Interleukin Panel

  • Celiac disease is an immune-mediated disorder that affects genetically susceptible individuals who are exposed to gluten-containing grains, and it can cause a variety of symptoms and immune responses 2.
  • Research has shown that celiac disease patients on a gluten-free diet can experience reactions to gluten, including elevated serum interleukin-2, which correlates with symptoms and can be a potential diagnostic biomarker for coeliac disease 3.
  • The immune response in celiac disease is complex and involves the production of various cytokines, including interleukin-21, which is highly produced by intraepithelial lymphocytes and lamina propria lymphocytes in active celiac disease 4.
  • IL-15 has been shown to positively regulate IL-21 production in celiac disease mucosa, and blockade of IL-15 can reduce IL-21 production 4.
  • While the exact relationship between celiac disease and a very high interleukin panel is not fully understood, research suggests that celiac disease can cause elevated levels of certain interleukins, including IL-2 and IL-21, which can be used as potential diagnostic biomarkers or to monitor disease activity 3, 4.

References

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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