Digestive Disorders

Question 1

Describe the biochemical basis of how Gluten-sensitive intestinal villous damage causes malnutrition

Answer 1

1. Gluten is the storage protein in wheat, rye, barley
2. Digestive enzymes cannot completely breakdown gluten so it is absorbed in the SI transcellular/ paracellularly
3. In celiac disease, gluten triggers the immune response which damages and flattens intestinal villi
4. Causes ↓ SA of epithelium of SI so leads to impaired nutrient absorption
5. As many digestive enzymes are present in the brush border, it leads to maldigestion