Press release -
AOECS Scientific Research eBook reveals: Invasive biopsy might soon not be needed to diagnose coeliac disease
Brussels, 2023/12/07 - 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.
Download the Scientific eBook and learn more about AOECS's efforts in supporting coeliac disease research.
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Celiac disease (or coeliac disease) is an autoimmune disease where cereals containing gluten trigger an inflammatory reaction in the small intestine. Around 100 million people are estimated to suffer from celiac disease globally. Approximately only 25% of those have received a diagnosis, the rest are either unaware of their condition or suffer from various related ailments. Left untreated the disease causes severely reduced quality of life and increased risk of premature death.
The Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) is an independent, non-profit organization working for a better life for people affected by celiac disease. AOECS represents 38 national coeliac societies from 34 European countries on an international stage.
