EXPLORING ASSOCIATIONS: CELIAC DISEASE AND AUTOIMMUNE THYROID DISEASES

Abstract

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune inflammatory condition of the small intestine triggered by gluten ingestion, leading to chronic inflammation, villous atrophy, and malabsorption of nutrients. It often presents with gastrointestinal symptoms and systemic complications. Concurrently, autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' disease (GD) share autoimmune etiology and frequently coexist with CD. HT involves chronic thyroid inflammation and hypothyroidism, while GD results in hyperthyroidism due to excessive hormone production. Genetic predispositions, particularly the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 alleles, are common in CD and AITDs, suggesting shared pathophysiological mechanisms.

This integrative systematic review explores the association between CD and AITDs, highlighting shared genetic and immunopathogenic mechanisms. Studies indicate a significantly higher prevalence of thyroid diseases among CD patients compared to controls, emphasizing the clinical relevance of screening for thyroid autoimmunity in individuals diagnosed with CD and vice versa. Despite dietary adherence, multidisciplinary management approaches are crucial for monitoring at-risk patients for potential future autoimmune complications. Therefore, early detection and management strategies should be implemented to improve affected individuals' clinical outcomes and quality of life.