Invasive biopsy might soon not be needed to diagnose coeliac disease

Coeliac disease affects millions of individuals worldwide, causing adverse reactions to gluten consumption. The gold standard for the diagnosis of pediatric coeliac disease is a combination of serological tests and intestinal biopsy. The latter is a procedure that often means experiencing discomfort, especially for children.

New research presented in the new AOECS Scientific Research eBook suggests that circulating miRNAs could be used as a replacement tool for the diagnosis of celiac disease without the need to perform intestinal biopsy.

Circulating miRNAs can be a valid marker for diagnosing coeliac disease

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that are found in the bloodstream and other bodily fluids. MicroRNAs are short sequences of RNA (ribonucleic acid) that play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression.

MiRNAs are highly stable and tissue-specific and their expression profile may constitute a specific signature of coeliac disease. Their presence in biological fluids (i.e., serum, plasma, saliva, urine) provides the opportunity to use circulating miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers.

In this context, a project entitled “Circulating MicroRNA signatures for the Identification of new potential diagnostic biomarkers of celiac disease” was conducted. The aim of the project was to find novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of coeliac disease that could replace biopsy.

The findings in the study strongly support the use of circulating miRNAs as a supplementary tool for the diagnosis of coeliac disease.

Read more in AOECS Scientific Research eBook

The Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) is proud to announce the release of a new comprehensive Scientific Research eBook, featuring 15 abstracts on interesting current-day research related to coeliac disease. This initiative aims to raise awareness, foster innovation, and encourage further exploration into this chronic autoimmune disorder.

The abstracts featured in the eBook cover a wide range of topics, including emerging diagnostic techniques, novel treatment approaches, delays in diagnosing coeliac disease, and the nutritional value of following a gluten-free diet to mention a few.

You can read the full abstract of the presented research above in the eBook (page 11).