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.