Epidemiology and pathogenesis of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten (wheat) sensitivity

Abstract While in the past, celiac disease (CD) was considered the only clinical entity caused by the ingestion of gluten-containing grains, now there is evidence that a spectrum of gluten-related disorders, including also wheat allergy and non-celiac gluten (wheat) sensitivity (NCGS/NCWS), exists. The prevalence of gluten-related disorders is rising, and increasing numbers of individuals are empirically trying a gluten-free diet for a variety of signs and symptoms. CD is a gluten-induced immune-mediated enteropathy characterized by a specific genetic genotype [human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes] and autoantibodies (antitissue transglutaminase and antiendomysial). NCGS/NCWS…