<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

     Hi list members;

         I am new to the list, and have not been diagnosed with CD, although
I think I have it. I am also a cancer researcher (epidemiologist) at the
U.S. National Cancer Institute, and so have been paying close attention to
the discussion regarding excess cancer risks. I received some (non-cancer)
research news today that I thought some of you might be interested in, so
I'll append it and the source. If people don't want this kind of information
posted, someone please let me know! The protein found in excess in celiacs
in this research, zonulin, also has a role in allowing substances to cross
the blood-brain barrier, and thus might also explain some of the
neurologic/psychiatric conditions in celiacs. That is pretty interesting to
me. Hope this is helpful.

        Deirdre Hill
        [log in to unmask]

http://www.ivanhoe.com/docs/newsflash-friday.html#new

New Clue Into Autoimmune Diseases

April 28, 2000 (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- University of Maryland scientists have
made a discovery that may help unlock the mystery behind autoimmune
disorders like diabetes, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers found the protein zonulin reaches higher levels in patients with
the autoimmune disorder celiac disease.

People with celiac disease are unable to eat gluten, which is found in wheat
and other grains.  Gluten sets off an allergic reaction where the body
creates antibodies that attack the intestine.  Symptoms include diarrhea,
abdominal pain and eventually long-term damage.  Although it can be treated
simply by avoiding gluten products, researchers couldn't figure out the
mechanisms behind the disease -- until now.

Zonulin, a protein in humans, acts like a traffic conductor for the body's
tissues.  It opens the spaces between the cells, and when working normally,
it allows some substances to pass through, while keeping harmful bacteria
and toxins out.  It appears that in celiac disease, zonulin increases and
allows too much gluten to get through, increasing the immune response.

"We could never understand how a big protein like gluten was getting through
to the immune system," said lead author Alessio Fasano, M.D.  "[But] people
with celiac have an increased level of zonulin, which opens the junctions
between the cells.  In essence, the gateways are stuck open, allowing gluten
and other allergens to pass.

"I believe that zonulin plays a critical role in the modulation of our
immune system," he added.  "For some reason, the zonulin levels go out of
whack, and that leads to autoimmune disease."  These findings may help
doctors understand the cause of other autoimmune disorders.