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Celiac Disease Research Paper

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When you have celiac disease the body’s autoimmune system is triggered when gluten is consumed. The body’s defense system ultimately attacks of the lining of the small intestine know as villi.
Villi are protruding tiny finger-like extensions that allow the small intestine to absorb nutrients from food. When the villi are damaged, they become flattened, making it nearly impossible for the body to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream leading to malnourishment. “Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that can occur in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide. Two and one-half million Americans are undiagnosed and are at risk for long-term health complications. (What Is Celiac Disease?) Celiac disease can also lead to many other serious problems including cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes. …show more content…

"Name the organ, and celiac disease can affect it," says Dr. Peter Green, director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University. In launching its assault on gluten, the immune system generates antibodies to an enzyme called tissue transglutaminase. This enzyme is an innocent bystander that acts on gluten in the lining of the intestine. But because the enzyme is also found throughout the body—in the skin, heart, thyroid, bones and nervous system—antibodies that attack it can direct their fire at any of these other organs, too.”

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