Gluten Psychosis: Confirmation of a New Clinical Entity

Nutrients

Elena Lionetti¹  Salvatore Leonardi¹  Chiara Franzonello¹  Margherita Mancardi²  Martino Ruggieri¹ 

[1] Department of Pediatrics, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 78, 95124 Catania, Italy; E-Mails:;Pediatric Neuro-Psychiatric Unit, G. Gaslini Institute, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genova, Italy; E-Mail:

关键词: gluten;    hallucinations;    non celiac gluten sensitivity;    psycosis;   

DOI  :  10.3390/nu7075235

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a syndrome diagnosed in patients with symptoms that respond to removal of gluten from the diet, after celiac disease and wheat allergy have been excluded. NCGS has been related to neuro-psychiatric disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia and depression. A singular report of NCGS presenting with hallucinations has been described in an adult patient. We report a pediatric case of a psychotic disorder clearly related to NCGS and investigate the causes by a review of literature. The pathogenesis of neuro-psychiatric manifestations of NCGS is unclear. It has been hypothesized that: (a) a “leaky gut” allows some gluten peptides to cross the intestinal membrane and the blood brain barrier, affecting the endogenous opiate system and neurotransmission; or (b) gluten peptides may set up an innate immune response in the brain similar to that described in the gut mucosa, causing exposure from neuronal cells of a transglutaminase primarily expressed in the brain. The present case-report confirms that psychosis may be a manifestation of NCGS, and may also involve children; the diagnosis is difficult with many cases remaining undiagnosed. Well-designed prospective studies are needed to establish the real role of gluten as a triggering factor in neuro-psychiatric disorders.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.