Effect of a Gluten-Free Diet on Cortical Excitability in Adults with Celiac Disease

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129218
• Publication Date: 2015-06-08T18:11:30Z
• Authors: Rita Bella; Giuseppe Lanza; Mariagiovanna Can...; Salvatore Giuffrida; Valentina Puglisi; Luisa Vinciguerra; Manuela Pennisi; Riccardo Ricceri; Carmela Cinzia D’...; Giulia Malaguarnera; Raffaele Ferri; Giovanni Pennisi
• Keywords: Silent period; Gluten free; Subclinical infection

An imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory synaptic excitability was observed in de novo patients with celiac disease (CD) a previous study Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), suggesting subclinical involvement of GABAergic glutamatergic neurotransmission asymptomatic patients. The aim this investigation to monitor the eventual changes same cohort patients, evaluated after period gluten-free diet.Patients were re-evaluated median 16 months during which an adequate diet maintained. Clinical, cognitive neuropsychiatric assessment repeated, as well cortical by means single- paired-pulse TMS from first dorsal interosseous muscle dominant hand.Compared baseline, showed significant decrease resting motor threshold (from 35% 33%, p<0.01). other single-pulse (cortical silent period, evoked potentials latency amplitude, central conduction time) measures (intracortical inhibition intracortical facilitation) did not change significantly follow-up period. Antibodies still present 7 subjects.In under diet, global increase observed, glutamate-mediated functional reorganization compensating for progression. We hypothesize that glutamate receptor activation, probably triggered CD-related immune system dysregulation, might result long-lasting cortex hyperexcitability increased post-synaptic potentials, related phenomena long-term plasticity. impact on neurological abnormalities needs be further explored.