In recent years, a digestive disorder known as celiac disease has become increasingly common in Texas and throughout the country. Affecting approximately one percent of the population, celiac sufferers are forced to stay away from common foods such as pasta, cereal, baked goods and even beer. According to a new study, a compound known as Interleukin 15, which is formed when vitamin A and retinoic acid from Accutane and similar acne products combine, may intensify celiac symptoms and side effects.

Celiac disease is believed to be caused by an abnormal immunity to the protein gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye and similar widely-consumed food products. If left untreated, celiac can cause severe health problems such as bone frailty, anemia, weight loss and fatigue.

Researchers at the Digestive Disease Research Core Center at the University of Chicago, where the study was performed, already knew that the Interleukin 15 compound was present in high levels in the intestines of many celiac sufferers. When the compound was given to mice, they were found to develop early symptoms of celiac. Further, when the mice were given additional retinoic acid, which is found in Accutane and Retin-A acne treatments, the celiac symptoms became worse, with additional inflammation and tissue damage.

Therefore, researchers concluded that the disease is not caused by Interleukin 15, but the compound may accelerate or exacerbate the symptoms. When the compound was blocked entirely, mice were once again able to tolerate gluten with no side effects, indicating that celiac disease may be linked to Accutane and similar retinoid products more closely than researchers previously believed. It is clear that further research is needed on this new development.

Source: Reuters, "Immune imbalance in gut may trigger celiac disease", Julie Steenhuysen, 10 February 2011