Umberto Volta studies various gastrointestinal issues, primarily focusing on celiac disease and its complications, as well as cancers related to this condition, such as small bowel adenocarcinomas and T-cell lymphomas. He investigates differences in survival rates among different types of intestinal lymphomas and examines how celiac disease affects not only gut health but also bone density and overall mortality. Volta’s research also explores treatment options for celiac disease beyond the standard gluten-free diet, aiming to enhance patient care and outcomes through personalized treatment strategies.
Key findings
B-cell lymphomas have a median survival of 56 months compared to just 12 months for T-cell lymphomas, highlighting vastly better outcomes for the former.
In patients with celiac disease, 70% of those with T-cell lymphoma did not respond to a gluten-free diet, indicating a need for different treatment approaches.
After 10 years, 74% of patients with nonceliac enteropathies were still alive, but their mortality rate was three times higher than that of the general population.
About 50% of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases do not respond to current biologic treatments, prompting the exploration of new therapies like JAK kinase inhibitors.
26% of small bowel adenocarcinomas showed PD-L1 positivity, a marker linked to better survival rates and potential responsiveness to immunotherapy.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Volta study celiac disease?
Yes, Dr. Volta specializes in celiac disease, focusing on its complications, treatment options, and impact on overall health.
What treatments has Dr. Volta researched for celiac disease?
He is exploring various potential therapies to supplement the gluten-free diet aimed at improving patient outcomes.
Is Dr. Volta's work relevant to patients with intestinal lymphomas?
Yes, he has conducted studies comparing survival outcomes between different types of intestinal lymphomas, which is crucial for patient management.
Are there specific survival rates for cancers associated with celiac disease?
Yes, for instance, B-cell lymphomas have a significantly better survival rate than T-cell lymphomas, with a median of 56 months for B-cell compared to only 12 months for T-cell.
How does Dr. Volta's research help patients with inflammatory bowel diseases?
His research reviews new treatment options and identifies patients who may not respond to current therapies, guiding better care strategies.
Publications in plain English
Clinical features and survival in primary intestinal lymphomas: A multicentre study.
2026
Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver
Aronico N, Santacroce G, Lucioni M, Lenti MV, Bianchi PI +13 more
Plain English This study looked at two rare types of intestinal lymphomas, B-cell and T-cell, to understand their clinical features and survival rates. The researchers found that B-cell lymphomas are usually diagnosed earlier and patients live much longer, with a median follow-up showing a survival rate more than five times better than T-cell lymphomas (56 months for B-cell compared to only 12 months for T-cell). It’s important because understanding these differences can help doctors choose better treatments and care plans for patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients with intestinal lymphomas and their doctors.
Non-Celiac Gluten/Wheat Sensitivity-State of the Art: A Five-Year Narrative Review.
2025
Nutrients
Manza F, Lungaro L, Costanzini A, Caputo F, Carroccio A +7 more
Plain English This study looks at Non-Celiac Gluten/Wheat Sensitivity (NCGWS), a condition causing gut and other health issues after eating gluten, especially in people without celiac disease or a wheat allergy. It summarizes recent research over the past five years, noting that while there are no clear tests for diagnosis yet, new insights into how NCGWS works, how patients can be categorized, and potential treatment options are being explored. This is important because better understanding and diagnosing NCGWS can lead to improved management and relief for affected individuals.
Who this helps: Patients with Non-Celiac Gluten/Wheat Sensitivity.
Long-term Prognosis of Nonceliac Enteropathies and a Score to Identify Patients With Poor Outcomes: A 30-year Multicenter Longitudinal Study.
2025
The American journal of gastroenterology
Schiepatti A, Maimaris S, Scalvini D, Raju SA, Ingham KE +18 more
Plain English This study looked at the long-term health outcomes of patients with nonceliac enteropathies (NCEs), which are digestive disorders not related to celiac disease, over a period of 30 years. Researchers found that 10 years after diagnosis, about 74% of patients were still alive, but mortality rates were significantly higher for these patients compared to the general population, with a mortality rate about three times higher. They created a scoring system to identify patients at higher risk of serious health issues, allowing for better monitoring and personalized treatment plans.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with nonceliac enteropathies and their doctors by providing insights for better management and care.
Different Survival Outcomes of Small Bowel Adenocarcinomas and T-Cell Lymphomas Associated With Celiac Disease.
2025
The American journal of gastroenterology
Santacroce G, Vanoli A, Aronico N, Bianchi PI, Lenti MV +11 more
Plain English This study looked at two types of serious cancers linked to celiac disease: small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) and T-cell lymphoma (TCL). Researchers found that patients with SBA had a much better chance of surviving than those with TCL, with survival rates significantly different between the two groups. Specifically, 70% of TCL patients did not respond to a gluten-free diet, while only one patient with SBA did not benefit from it. This research highlights the need for different approaches in treating these two cancer types.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients dealing with celiac disease and its associated cancers.
Diagnosis of Seronegative and Ultrashort Celiac Disease.
2024
Gastroenterology
Volta U, Rostami K, Auricchio R, Lundin KEA
Plain English This paper studies two less-known forms of celiac disease called seronegative celiac disease (CeD) and ultrashort CeD. It finds that seronegative CeD can be diagnosed when patients have flat intestinal villi and specific genetic markers without the typical antibodies, and that ultrashort CeD is marked by flat villi in a certain part of the intestine with positive blood tests; however, there's limited data on these conditions. Understanding these variants is important because they are often overlooked, which can affect patients' health and treatment options.
Who this helps: This benefits patients who have celiac disease but don't fit the typical diagnosis criteria.
Gluten and Wheat in Women's Health: Beyond the Gut.
2024
Nutrients
Manza F, Lungaro L, Costanzini A, Caputo F, Volta U +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how gluten and wheat affect women's health, especially in relation to diet trends and misinformation about gluten-free diets. It found that while people with celiac disease must avoid gluten to relieve symptoms, the benefits of going gluten-free for other conditions, like non-celiac gluten sensitivity, are not well-proven. This is important because many women feel pressure to adopt gluten-free diets without solid evidence that it benefits their health.
Who this helps: This helps women who may be considering a gluten-free diet.
Celiac Disease: A Forty-Year Analysis in an Italian Referral Center.
2024
Nutrients
Lungaro L, Costanzini A, Manza F, Caputo F, Remelli F +4 more
Plain English This study looked at the details of 1,547 celiac disease patients in Italy over 40 years to understand how the disease presents and its complications. The results showed that the number of diagnoses grew significantly after 2000 and that most patients had non-classical symptoms rather than the typical ones. Notably, 59.9% of patients also had bone health issues like osteopenia, and the overall complication and mortality rates were low at 1.8% and 1.9%, respectively.
Who this helps: This research helps patients with celiac disease and their doctors by providing insights into the changing nature of the disease and associated health risks.
New entity of adult ultra-short coeliac disease: the first international cohort and case-control study.
2024
Gut
Raju SA, Greenaway EA, Schiepatti A, Arpa G, Vecchione N +26 more
Plain English This study focused on a newly identified form of coeliac disease called ultra-short coeliac disease (USCD), which affects the duodenal bulb only. Researchers compared 137 patients with USCD to those with conventional coeliac disease, finding that USCD patients were younger (27 vs. 38 years) and had lower levels of specific antibodies (IgA-tTG) but experienced similar symptoms. Notably, almost all (95.7%) USCD patients saw their symptoms improve after starting a gluten-free diet, highlighting the importance of targeted testing during diagnosis.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with ultra-short coeliac disease and their doctors by improving diagnosis and treatment options.
The role of serology in the diagnosis of coeliac disease.
2023
Gastroenterology and hepatology from bed to bench
Volta U, Bai JC, De Giorgio R
Plain English This research paper focused on how blood tests, known as serology, are used to diagnose celiac disease (CD). The study found that the antibody test for anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) accurately identifies CD in up to 93.4% of cases, making it the most effective option compared to other tests like anti-endomysial antibodies and anti-deamidated gliadin antibodies. This matters because it helps doctors diagnose more cases of celiac disease, especially in at-risk populations, leading to earlier treatment and better health outcomes.
Who this helps: Patients with celiac disease and their healthcare providers.
Anemia in non-celiac wheat sensitivity: Prevalence and associated clinical and laboratory features.
2023
Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver
Mansueto P, Seidita A, Soresi M, Giuliano A, Riccio G +6 more
Plain English This study looked at anemia in patients with non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS) and found that 34.8% of them had anemia, which is much higher than the 17.4% seen in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Those with NCWS often showed low iron levels and related issues, but these problems were even more pronounced in celiac disease patients. A strict wheat-free diet improved anemia and iron levels in NCWS patients over time.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with non-celiac wheat sensitivity, particularly those experiencing anemia.
Diagnostic delay in adult coeliac disease: An Italian multicentre study.
2023
Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver
Lenti MV, Aronico N, Bianchi PI, D'Agate CC, Neri M +48 more
Plain English This study looked at how long it takes for adults in Italy to get diagnosed with coeliac disease (CD) and what causes delays. It found that, on average, patients waited 8 months to receive a diagnosis, with some factors like having a previous misdiagnosis leading to even longer delays. Specifically, those with neurological symptoms or a history of misdiagnosis experienced much longer wait times—up to 9.8 months more for some. Understanding these delays is important because better screening strategies could be developed to help patients receive timely diagnoses.
Who this helps: This helps patients with coeliac disease and their doctors.
Osteoporosis and Celiac Disease: Updates and Hidden Pitfalls.
2023
Nutrients
Lungaro L, Manza F, Costanzini A, Barbalinardo M, Gentili D +6 more
Plain English This research paper focuses on how celiac disease (CD) affects bone health, specifically leading to low bone density and osteoporosis. It reveals that factors like the body's hormonal balance and gut bacteria, rather than just vitamin and mineral absorption issues, also play a role in bone health. Understanding these connections is important for doctors to better treat osteoporosis in patients with celiac disease.
Who this helps: Patients with celiac disease.
Histological Features of Celiac-Disease-like Conditions Related to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Therapy: A Signal to Keep in Mind for Pathologists.
2022
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)
Del Sordo R, Volta U, Lougaris V, Parente P, Sidoni A +5 more
Plain English This study looked at the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) on patients and how these medications might trigger conditions similar to celiac disease. Researchers reviewed ten studies involving 25 patients, finding that 11 were officially diagnosed with celiac disease, while four had conditions mimicking it. Understanding how ICIs can lead to these conditions is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment, as misdiagnosing can lead to inappropriate patient care.
Who this helps: This benefits doctors and patients who are treated with ICIs for cancer, especially those experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms.
Nomenclature and diagnosis of seronegative coeliac disease and chronic non-coeliac enteropathies in adults: the Paris consensus.
2022
Gut
Schiepatti A, Sanders DS, Baiardi P, Caio G, Ciacci C +9 more
Plain English This research looked at how to diagnose situations where adults have damage in their intestines without the typical markers for coeliac disease. An international group of 13 experts reached an agreement on how to identify two main conditions: seronegative coeliac disease and chronic non-coeliac enteropathies. They found that while seronegative coeliac disease is the most common cause for this intestinal damage, correctly distinguishing it from other non-coeliac conditions is important to prevent patients from unnecessarily following a strict gluten-free diet and to ensure proper treatment.
Who this helps: This helps patients who may be misdiagnosed and provides doctors with clearer guidelines for diagnosis.
Gluten Induces Subtle Histological Changes in Duodenal Mucosa of Patients with Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity: A Multicentre Study.
2022
Nutrients
Rostami K, Ensari A, Marsh MN, Srivastava A, Villanacci V +51 more
Plain English This study looked at the effects of gluten on the small intestine tissue (duodenal mucosa) in patients with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). Researchers found that the intestinal structure in NCGS patients had noticeable differences compared to healthy individuals, including a shorter villus height of 600 micrometers compared to 900 micrometers in healthy controls. These changes are important because they help us understand that gluten can provoke an immune response in people with NCGS, which may affect how they manage their condition.
Who this helps: This helps patients with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity and their healthcare providers.
Beyond biologics: advanced therapies in inflammatory bowel diseases.
2022
Minerva gastroenterology
Caio G, Lungaro L, Chiarioni G, Giancola F, Caputo F +6 more
Plain English This research paper looked at new treatment options for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), which are conditions that cause inflammation in the gut. The authors reviewed studies from the last ten years and found that while current treatments, like anti-TNF agents, have significantly helped many patients, about 50% still experience issues such as not responding to treatment. New therapies, like sphingosine-1-phosphate agonists and JAK kinase inhibitors, may offer more effective options for those who do not benefit from existing medications.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with IBD, especially those who struggle to manage their symptoms with current treatments.
Autoimmunity Features in Patients With Non-Celiac Wheat Sensitivity.
2021
The American journal of gastroenterology
Mansueto P, Soresi M, Candore G, Garlisi C, Fayer F +12 more
Plain English This study looked at the connection between non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS) and autoimmune diseases in 91 patients. It found that over 25% of these patients had autoimmune diseases, with autoimmune thyroiditis being the most common in 17.6% of cases. The presence of certain antibodies was much higher in NCWS patients compared to healthy controls, indicating a strong link between NCWS and autoimmune conditions.
Who this helps: This information helps doctors understand the potential autoimmune risks for patients with non-celiac wheat sensitivity.
Accuracy of a no-biopsy approach for the diagnosis of coeliac disease across different adult cohorts.
2021
Gut
Penny HA, Raju SA, Lau MS, Marks LJ, Baggus EM +25 more
Plain English This study looked at whether a blood test measuring a specific antibody level (IgA tTG) can effectively diagnose coeliac disease in adults without needing a biopsy. They found that high levels of these antibodies (at least 10 times the normal amount) accurately indicated coeliac disease in various patient groups, achieving as high as 100% specificity and positive predictive value in one group. This is important because it provides a less invasive way to diagnose a condition that can lead to significant health issues if left untreated.
Who this helps: Patients suspected of having coeliac disease can benefit from this new testing method.
Prognostic Role of Mismatch Repair Status, Histotype and High-Risk Pathologic Features in Stage II Small Bowel Adenocarcinomas.
2021
Annals of surgical oncology
Vanoli A, Grillo F, Guerini C, Neri G, Arpa G +58 more
Plain English This study looked at 66 patients with stage II small bowel adenocarcinoma to see how certain cancer characteristics affect survival chances. Researchers found that patients with a specific type of DNA repair issue called mismatch repair deficiency, the glandular/medullary histologic subtype, or who have celiac disease tended to have better survival rates. In contrast, a high-risk feature called T4 was linked to a higher risk of death, but this finding was influenced by the mismatch repair status.
Who this helps: This research helps doctors better determine which patients might benefit from additional chemotherapy after surgery.
Recurrent myocarditis in a patient with active ulcerative colitis: a case report and review of the literature.
2021
BMJ open gastroenterology
Caio G, Lungaro L, Caputo F, Muccinelli M, Marcello MC +4 more
Plain English This study looks at a 26-year-old man with ulcerative colitis (UC) who experienced heart inflammation, known as myocarditis, during two severe flare-ups of his condition. The exact cause of his myocarditis is unclear, as it could be linked to either the disease itself or the medications he was taking. Understanding such complications is important, as it highlights the potential risks of treating UC and helps healthcare providers better manage similar cases.
Who this helps: This helps patients with ulcerative colitis and their doctors.
Small-bowel carcinomas associated with celiac disease: transcriptomic profiling shows predominance of microsatellite instability-immune and mesenchymal subtypes.
2020
Virchows Archiv : an international journal of pathology
Rizzo F, Vanoli A, Sahnane N, Cerutti R, Trapani D +14 more
Plain English This study looked at a rare type of cancer in the small intestine that occurs more often in people with celiac disease, finding that most cases fell into two main categories based on their molecular characteristics. Out of 13 cancers studied, 12 were identified as having either a strong immune response or a type linked to tissue changes that can worsen the cancer's behavior. Understanding these differences is important because it can help improve how these cancers are diagnosed and treated.
Who this helps: This helps patients with celiac disease who might be at risk for small-bowel cancer.
The value of a biopsy in celiac disease follow up: assessment of the small bowel after 6 and 24 months treatment with a gluten free diet.
2020
Revista espanola de enfermedades digestivas
Sadeghi A, Rad N, Ashtari S, Rostami-Nejad M, Moradi A +4 more
Plain English This study looked at how the small intestine of celiac disease patients responds to a gluten-free diet (GFD) over 6 and 24 months. Researchers found that after 24 months, 47.4% of patients showed complete healing in their intestines compared to 30% after just 6 months. This matters because it highlights that patients may need a longer time on a GFD to see significant improvements in their intestinal health, which may not always match how they feel symptomatically.
Who this helps: This helps patients with celiac disease and their doctors understand the importance of sticking to a gluten-free diet over a longer period.
Mast cell-nerve interactions correlate with bloating and abdominal pain severity in patients with non-celiac gluten / wheat sensitivity.
2020
Neurogastroenterology and motility
Giancola F, Volta U, Repossi R, Latorre R, Beeckmans D +12 more
Plain English This study examined how cells involved in the immune response (called mast cells) interact with nerve cells in the intestines of patients with non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCG/WS). Researchers found that in these patients, the presence of mast cells near nerves was linked to increased bloating and abdominal pain, with specific findings indicating that more mast cells were associated with worse symptoms. Understanding these interactions helps make sense of the gastrointestinal issues many NCG/WS patients face.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients suffering from non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity.
Serum zonulin and its diagnostic performance in non-coeliac gluten sensitivity.
2020
Gut
Barbaro MR, Cremon C, Morselli-Labate AM, Di Sabatino A, Giuffrida P +11 more
Plain English This study looked at a potential biomarker, called zonulin, to help diagnose non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) in patients who have symptoms related to gluten but do not have coeliac disease or a wheat allergy. Researchers found that people with NCGS had higher zonulin levels compared to those without symptoms or with a different condition called IBS, with an accuracy of 81% in distinguishing NCGS from IBS, which improved to 89% when considering additional factors like symptoms and gender. This matters because it could provide a more reliable way to diagnose NCGS without needing complex testing.
Who this helps: Patients with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity.
Minimal Lesions of the Small Intestinal Mucosa: More than Morphology.
2020
Digestive diseases and sciences
Volta U, Caio G, Ghirardi C, Lungaro L, Mansueto P +2 more
Plain English This study looked at small bowel lesions that show an increased number of immune cells but keep the normal shape of the intestine. Researchers found that these minimal lesions can be linked to various issues like food intolerances, infections, or immune diseases but can make diagnosis tricky. Proper diagnosis requires detailed patient history and careful biopsy techniques because catching these lesions early is crucial to prevent them from worsening.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients with digestive health issues.
Probiotics, Prebiotics and Other Dietary Supplements for Gut Microbiota Modulation in Celiac Disease Patients.
2020
Nutrients
Marasco G, Cirota GG, Rossini B, Lungaro L, Di Biase AR +5 more
Plain English This study looked at how probiotics and prebiotics might help people with celiac disease improve their gut health on a gluten-free diet. Researchers found that probiotics could help restore healthy gut bacteria and reduce inflammation, potentially improving symptoms and quality of life for patients. Although prebiotics could also be beneficial and are easy to add to the diet, more evidence is needed before they can be recommended as standard treatment.
Who this helps: This helps patients with celiac disease.
Coronaviruses and gastrointestinal symptoms: an old liaison for the new SARS-CoV-2.
2020
Gastroenterology and hepatology from bed to bench
Caio G, Lungaro L, Cultrera R, De Giorgio R, Volta U
Plain English This study looked at how many people with COVID-19 experience gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. Researchers found that these symptoms occur in a significant number of patients, and the virus can even be detected in their stool. Understanding these symptoms and how the virus spreads through the gut can help improve treatment and control efforts for COVID-19.
Who this helps: This benefits patients experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms and healthcare providers managing their care.
PD-L1 in small bowel adenocarcinoma is associated with etiology and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, in addition to microsatellite instability.
2020
Modern pathology : an official journal of the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, Inc
Giuffrida P, Arpa G, Grillo F, Klersy C, Sampietro G +65 more
Plain English This study examined small bowel adenocarcinomas (SBAs) from patients with celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and those with no known cause. Researchers found that 26% of the SBAs had PD-L1 positivity, but this was much higher (35%) in tumors associated with celiac or Crohn's disease, compared to just 5% in sporadic cases. Also, SBAs with PD-L1 positivity showed better survival rates and more immune cell presence, suggesting they could respond well to immunotherapy treatments.
Who this helps: Patients with small bowel adenocarcinomas, especially those with celiac disease or Crohn's disease.
Correction: PD-L1 in small bowel adenocarcinoma is associated with etiology and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, in addition to microsatellite instability.
2020
Modern pathology : an official journal of the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, Inc
Giuffrida P, Arpa G, Grillo F, Klersy C, Sampietro G +65 more
Plain English This study looked at a type of cancer called small bowel adenocarcinoma and found that the presence of a protein called PD-L1 is linked to the causes of the cancer and the immune cells that invade the tumor. Specifically, they found that patients with elevated PD-L1 levels often had certain genetic changes known as microsatellite instability. Understanding these links is important because it can help doctors identify which patients may respond better to immunotherapy treatments.
Who this helps: This helps cancer patients and their doctors in deciding on more effective treatments.
Therapeutic options for coeliac disease: What else beyond gluten-free diet?
2020
Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver
Caio G, Ciccocioppo R, Zoli G, De Giorgio R, Volta U
Plain English This study looked at new treatment options for people with coeliac disease, which is an autoimmune condition triggered by eating gluten. While the only current effective treatment is a strict gluten-free diet, many patients find it hard to stick to and still experience symptoms. Researchers highlighted six potential therapies that could work alongside the gluten-free diet to improve symptoms, but most of these are still in early testing stages, with only a few in advanced trials.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with coeliac disease who struggle with a strict gluten-free diet.
Life-threatening onset of coeliac disease: a case report and literature review.
2020
BMJ open gastroenterology
Guarino M, Gambuti E, Alfano F, Strada A, Ciccocioppo R +5 more
Plain English This study looked at a young woman who suddenly experienced a severe form of coeliac disease, called a coeliac crisis, which can lead to dangerous health issues. The research found that although coeliac crises are rare, only 48 cases have been documented in adults, and they often occur in middle-aged men. This case emphasizes that coeliac disease can present suddenly and seriously, necessitating quick medical attention.
Who this helps: This benefits doctors and emergency medical teams treating patients with sudden severe symptoms.
Effect of Gluten-Free Diet on Gut Microbiota Composition in Patients with Celiac Disease and Non-Celiac Gluten/Wheat Sensitivity.
2020
Nutrients
Caio G, Lungaro L, Segata N, Guarino M, Zoli G +2 more
Plain English This research looked at how a gluten-free diet affects the gut bacteria in people with celiac disease and those highly sensitive to gluten, even if they don't have celiac disease. The findings indicate that a gluten-free diet can change the composition of gut microbiota, which is important for gut health and immune response. Understanding these changes is crucial because it may help improve treatments and health outcomes for individuals suffering from gluten-related disorders.
Who this helps: This helps patients with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity.
Nonceliac Wheat Sensitivity: An Immune-Mediated Condition with Systemic Manifestations.
2019
Gastroenterology clinics of North America
Volta U, De Giorgio R, Caio G, Uhde M, Manfredini R +1 more
Plain English This study looked at non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS), a condition where people experience digestive issues and other symptoms after eating gluten, even though they don't have celiac disease or a wheat allergy. The researchers found that NCWS is linked to immune system activation caused by gut problems allowing microbes to enter the body. Understanding this connection is important because it could lead to better ways to diagnose and manage the condition.
Who this helps: This helps patients who experience symptoms after eating gluten and are seeking answers.
Small bowel adenocarcinoma as a complication of celiac disease: clinical and diagnostic features.
2019
BMC gastroenterology
Caio G, Volta U, Ursini F, Manfredini R, De Giorgio R
Plain English This study looked at small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA), a rare type of cancer, in patients with celiac disease (CD). Out of 770 celiac patients, five (0.65%) developed SBA, all of whom were women with an average age of 53. The findings show that these cases tend to occur at a younger age and have a better survival rate (80% at five years) compared to similar cancers not associated with celiac disease.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with celiac disease and their doctors by providing important information about cancer risks and outcomes.
Immunoreactivity of Gluten-Sensitized Sera Toward Wheat, Rice, Corn, and Amaranth Flour Proteins Treated With Microbial Transglutaminase.
2019
Frontiers in microbiology
Scarnato L, Gadermaier G, Volta U, De Giorgio R, Caio G +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how a substance called microbial transglutaminase (mTG) affects the way proteins in wheat and gluten-free flours react to the blood of patients with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. The researchers found that while mTG changes the structure of these proteins by linking them together, it does not increase the immune response of patients' blood samples. This is important because it means that mTG could help create better gluten and gluten-free foods without making them more likely to trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.
Who this helps: This helps patients with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity by potentially allowing them to enjoy safer and better-textured food products.
Gut epithelial and vascular barrier abnormalities in patients with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction.
2019
Neurogastroenterology and motility
Boschetti E, Accarino A, Malagelada C, Malagelada JR, Cogliandro RF +12 more
Plain English This study looked at the gut barriers in patients with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO), a condition that makes it hard for the intestines to move food through. Researchers found that 73% of patients had issues with the gut's protective barriers, specifically showing reductions in proteins important for maintaining these barriers, like occludin and zonula occludens-1. This matters because these barriers help keep harmful substances out of the bloodstream, and disruptions could worsen patient symptoms and overall health.
Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction and their doctors.
European Society for the Study of Coeliac Disease (ESsCD) guideline for coeliac disease and other gluten-related disorders.
2019
United European gastroenterology journal
Al-Toma A, Volta U, Auricchio R, Castillejo G, Sanders DS +3 more
Plain English This guideline offers updated recommendations for diagnosing and managing coeliac disease (CD) and other gluten-related disorders in both adults and children. It highlights the rising number of CD cases over the last 50 years, with many people still undiagnosed, and emphasizes that diagnosing CD requires specific tests while on a gluten diet. Treatment mainly involves following a strict gluten-free diet, which can be challenging, and ongoing monitoring is necessary to ensure that patients remain healthy and symptoms do not return.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with coeliac disease and other gluten-related disorders, as well as their healthcare providers.
Caio G, Volta U, Sapone A, Leffler DA, De Giorgio R +2 more
Plain English This paper reviews celiac disease, a condition affecting about 1% of the population, mostly women, where the immune system reacts negatively to gluten. Researchers found that genetic factors and environmental triggers contribute to the disease's development, affecting people's health in various ways, including gastrointestinal issues and other symptoms. Currently, the only effective treatment is a strict gluten-free diet, which significantly improves quality of life.
Who this helps: This helps patients with celiac disease and their doctors in understanding and managing their condition.
Methods for diagnosing bile acid malabsorption: a systematic review.
2019
BMC gastroenterology
Lyutakov I, Ursini F, Penchev P, Caio G, Carroccio A +2 more
Plain English This study looked at different ways to diagnose bile acid malabsorption (BAM), which can cause chronic diarrhea. Researchers analyzed 16 studies involving over 2,300 patients and found that the Selenium-homotaurocholic-acid test (SeHCAT) was the most accurate, with an average sensitivity of 87.32% and specificity of 93.2%. Improving how BAM is diagnosed is important because it can help patients find better management options for their symptoms.
Who this helps: Patients experiencing chronic diarrhea who may have bile acid malabsorption.
Contributions of HLA haplotypes, IL8 level and Toxoplasma gondii infection in defining celiac disease's phenotypes.
2018
BMC gastroenterology
Rostami-Nejad M, Hejazi SH, Peña AS, Asadzadeh-Aghdaei H, Rostami K +2 more
Plain English This study examined why people with celiac disease (CD) experience varying symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Researchers found that higher levels of the inflammatory protein IL8 were present in CD patients compared to healthy individuals, and 61% of patients with severe intestinal damage had a specific genetic marker (HLA-DQ2), compared to those with mild symptoms. Additionally, there was a link between higher Toxoplasma gondii infection rates and severe mucosal damage.
Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and researchers in understanding and better treating celiac disease patients.
Prevalence of celiac disease in Iranian patients with rheumatologic disorders.
2018
Gastroenterology and hepatology from bed to bench
Elhami E, Zakeri Z, Sadeghi A, Rostami-Nejad M, Volta U +1 more
Plain English This study looked at whether patients with certain autoimmune conditions—Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and Fibromyalgia (FM)—also have celiac disease (CD) in Iran. Out of 300 patients, only four were found to have celiac disease, with a total prevalence of 1.4%, which is low, but patients with RA had a higher likelihood of it compared to the general population. Identifying celiac disease in these patients is important because treating it can significantly improve their quality of life.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with autoimmune disorders and their doctors by guiding better screenings and treatments.
Prevalence of celiac disease serological markers in a cohort of Italian rheumatological patients.
2018
Gastroenterology and hepatology from bed to bench
Caio G, De Giorgio R, Ursini F, Fanaro S, Volta U
Plain English This study looked at how many rheumatology patients in Italy have signs of celiac disease, which is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten. Among 230 patients tested, 3% showed a specific antibody linked to celiac disease, with the highest rates found in patients with Sjögren's syndrome (5.8%) and systemic sclerosis (4.8%). This is important because it suggests that doctors should consider screening for celiac disease in patients with rheumatological illnesses, as they may have higher rates of this condition than previously thought.
Who this helps: This helps patients with rheumatological diseases who may also have undiagnosed celiac disease.
Detection of asymptomatic celiac disease in two siblings from a mother with non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
2018
Gastroenterology and hepatology from bed to bench
Volta U, Caio G, Manfredini R, De Giorgio R
Plain English This study looked at two siblings who were found to have celiac disease despite showing no symptoms. The 12-year-old girl tested positive for high levels of certain antibodies and a biopsy confirmed severe damage to her intestine, while her 9-year-old brother had milder signs suggesting early-stage celiac disease. These findings highlight the importance of testing family members of people with gluten sensitivities, as they might also have celiac disease even if they don’t feel sick.
Who this helps: This helps patients with gluten sensitivity and their families by encouraging testing for celiac disease.