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Finally a drug to treat gluten intolerance

This is an announcement that should (very) please the millions of people intolerant to gluten, this protein present in many cereals (wheat, oats, rye, barley, kamut, spelled). In a study, published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology , researchers have indeed explained how to treat this intolerance.

This celiac disease erodes the lining of the small intestine, blocking the digestion of gluten, which causes inflammation. However, Canadian researchers from the University of Ontario have made a major discovery that could help treat this intestinal mucosa.

Researchers have indeed discovered that the enzyme "tissue transglutaminase 2", taken from patients, would increase inflammation. On the other hand, they noted that the affected people would have much less "Elafin" molecules than the healthy ones. Final conclusion:the "Elafin" molecule protects and heals the mucous membrane, attacked by the presence of gluten.

Soon a cure?

Where gluten intolerants will really smile with relief is that these observations have been tested, on mice, and these tests have worked perfectly! With an injection of Elafin, their intestinal mucosa was perfectly protected.

Nevertheless, warns Elena Verdu, one of the researchers of this study, these injunctions will not completely cure the disease but will make it possible to better live with it and to heal the connections. Clearly, patients will have to continue to be careful but without constantly depriving themselves. And that's super cool!