Gluten exorphin

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Gluten exorphins are a group of opioid peptides formed during the digestion of the gluten protein. These peptides work as external regulators for gastrointestinal movement and hormonal release. [1] The breakdown of gliadin, a polymer of wheat proteins, creates amino acids that stop the gluten epitopes from entering the immune system to activate inflammatory reactions. During this process, gluten does not fully break down, thus increasing the presence of gluten exorphins. [2] Because of this, researchers think this is what might lead to various diseases.

Contents

Research shows the benefits of gluten- and casein-free diets for people with diseases and disorders connected to gluten exorphins. The mechanism behind this is still unknown. [3] There is a possibility that gluten has deleterious effects on the human digestive system. When people are more susceptible to gluten and casein allergies, the weakened intestinal lining allows gluten exorphin to flow. [2]

Names

Gluten exorphins produced by digestion of gliadin is called gliadorphin.

Known members

Gluten exorphin A4

Gluten exorphin A5

Gluten exorphin B4

Gluten exorphin B5

Gluten exorphin C/C5

Gliadorphin-7

Clinical significance

Recent research surrounding gluten exorphins has revolved around how the peptides might play a role in various diseases and disorders.

Celiac disease

In response to gluten, people with celiac disease will release gluten exorphins as part of the allergic immune response. Due to the weakening of intestinal walls caused by celiac disease, some of these gluten exorphins can make their way through the lining of the intestines and are then absorbed into the bloodstream. [7]

References

  1. Morley JE, Levine AS, Yamada T, Gebhard RL, Prigge WF, Shafer RB, et al. (June 1983). "Effect of exorphins on gastrointestinal function, hormonal release, and appetite". Gastroenterology. 84 (6): 1517–23. doi: 10.1016/0016-5085(83)90374-8 . PMID   6840480.
  2. 1 2 Pruimboom L, de Punder K (November 2015). "The opioid effects of gluten exorphins: asymptomatic celiac disease". Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition. 33 (1): 24. doi: 10.1186/s41043-015-0032-y . PMC   5025969 . PMID   26825414.
  3. Trivedi MS, Shah JS, Al-Mughairy S, Hodgson NW, Simms B, Trooskens GA, et al. (October 2014). "Food-derived opioid peptides inhibit cysteine uptake with redox and epigenetic consequences". The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 25 (10): 1011–8. doi:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2014.05.004. PMC   4157943 . PMID   25018147.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Fukudome, S; Yoshikawa, M (13 January 1992). "Opioid peptides derived from wheat gluten: their isolation and characterization". FEBS letters. 296 (1): 107–11. doi:10.1016/0014-5793(92)80414-c. PMID   1309704.
  5. 1 2 Fukudome, S; Jinsmaa, Y; Matsukawa, T; Sasaki, R; Yoshikawa, M (4 August 1997). "Release of opioid peptides, gluten exorphins by the action of pancreatic elastase". FEBS letters. 412 (3): 475–9. doi:10.1016/s0014-5793(97)00829-6. PMID   9276449.
  6. Maggioni, Margherita; Stuknytė, Milda; De Luca, Paola; Cattaneo, Stefano; Fiorilli, Amelia; De Noni, Ivano; Ferraretto, Anita (October 2016). "Transport of wheat gluten exorphins A5 and C5 through an in vitro model of intestinal epithelium". Food Research International. 88: 319–326. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2015.11.030.
  7. Whiteley P, Shattock P, Knivsberg AM, Seim A, Reichelt KL, Todd L, et al. (2013). "Gluten- and casein-free dietary intervention for autism spectrum conditions". Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. 6: 344. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2012.00344 . PMC   3540005 . PMID   23316152.