INTESTINAL PERMEABILITY AND LEVELS OF OPIOID PEPTIDES GLUTEN AND CASEIN IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Abstract

Introduction. The use of dietary approaches as an additional method of therapy for autism spectrum disorders remains a controversial and unresolved issue of modern medicine. The theory of exorphin intoxication underlies the hypothesis that there is a relationship between gluten intolerance and autism. The penetration of non hydrolyzed proteins (gluten) into the blood against the background of increased permeability of the small intestine and their negative effect on the nervous system is the basis for the pathophysiological implementation of this hypothesis. Goals and objectives. To identify the relationship between the concentration of intestinal protein binding fatty acids and the level of gliadomorphin in children with ASD, depending on adherence to a gluten free diet. Materials and methods. 85 children aged 3 to 15 years with an established diagnosis of ASD, 36 of whom used HD for at least 6 months (group 1) and 49 people with ASD that do not restrict the use of gluten (group 2), the level of I-FABP, antibodies to deamidated gliadin peptides and gliadomorphin in the blood was determined by enzyme immunoassay. Results. In children with ASD adhering to HD, the mean values of I-FABP and gliadomorphin were significantly lower than in patients with ASD consuming gluten (156.2±102.16 pg/ml vs 528.26±255.95 pg/ml and 0.98±1.27 ng/ml vs 1.68±0.97 ng/ml, respectively). With an increase in intestinal permeability in children with ASD, regardless of the diet style, there is an increase in the level of gliadomorphine in the blood. Conclusions. When supplementing the therapeutic course of autism with HD, it is necessary to take into account individual gluten intolerance and conduct a comprehensive examination to clarify the need for a diet.