Non-celiac wheat gluten sensitivity model (NCGS): evaluation of gastric and intestinal mucosal cells in Wistar rats.

Abstract

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is an enteropathy triggered by ingestion of gluten-containing foods. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of diets with increasing concentrations of wheat gluten on the gastric and intestinal mucosae of male Wistar rats. A total of 21 animals were used, distributed into three experimental groups according to percentage of gluten in the diet: G14 (14%, control), G42 (42%), and G70 (70%), fed for 100 days. Results showed diets with higher gluten content significantly increased final body mass, elevated serum triglyceride levels, and enhanced myeloperoxidase activity, indicating systemic inflammatory response. Histologically, no significant changes were observed in the number of gastric mucosal cells. However, a significant increase in intraepithelial lymphocytes was observed in duodenum of G42 and G70 groups, along with qualitative increase in inflammatory aggregates in lamina propria and higher incidence of ileal Peyer's patches. Data indicates prolonged exposure to gluten-rich diets may trigger inflammatory changes in intestinal mucosa, even in absence of celiac disease, without compromising gastric mucosa. It is concluded this condition may be associated with adaptive and inflammatory intestinal responses dependent on gluten concentration in diet.