SERUM-LIPOPROTEIN PROFILE IN ALGERIAN PATIENTS WITH CELIAC-DISEASE

Celiac disease is characterized by a gluten-induced villous atrophy of the upper small intestine which has an active role in the lipoprotein metabolism. In the present study the lipoprotein profiles of differen t patients were analyzed to determine the effect of impaired enterocyt e function in celiac disease. We compared serum lipid parameters in co ntrols and in celiac disease patients. The major differences between c eliac disease patients and the control group were a diminution of chol esterol and phospholipids in HDL and LDL in the former. These differen ces persisted after treatment; in addition, a lower level of cholester ol in VLDL was observed. Plasma LpAI and apo A-I levels were significa ntly lower (-17 and -15%) in celiac disease patients than in controls. Both levels remained low after gluten-free diet. In Algerian patients , treatment with gluten-free diet did not give any return towards norm al lipids concentrations.