Evaluation of serum levels of leptin and ghrelin in patients with celiac disease before and after treatment with a gluten-free diet

Abstract

Background and Objective. Celiac disease (CeD) is an autoimmune condition characterized by specific serological and tissue characteristics resulting from gluten consumption in genetically predisposed individuals. The only currently treatment available for CeD is strict lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD), which leads to remission. This study aimed to evaluate leptin and ghrelin serum levels in celiac patients before and after treatment with a gluten-free diet. Patients and Methods. Thirty patients aged 3 to 50 years with CeD and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Serum levels of leptin and ghrelin in patients before GFD and after four months of GFD treatment were measured using ELISA kits. Results. The mean serum ghrelin concentration in celiac cases decreased from 653.6 pg/ml to 483.2 pg/ml after GFD treatment (p < 0.001). Although the mean serum ghrelin concentration before treatment was not significantly different between the case and control groups, it was significantly lower in celiac patients than in the control group after treatment (p < 0.001). The average concentration of serum leptin in the control group was significantly higher than before and after the treatment of celiac patients, but the average concentration of serum leptin in celiac patients did not change significantly after GFD treatment (p = 0.298). Conclusion. In conclusion, this study suggests that a GFD can positively affect the levels of leptin and ghrelin hormones in celiac patients. Key words: celiac disease, leptin, ghrelin, gluten-free diet