Gastrointestinal sensitivity to soy and milk proteins in patients with IgA nephropathy

• Background Sensitivity to food antigens has been postulated as a contributing factor to the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) Methods In this study we used a recently developed mucosal patch technique to evaluate rectal mucosal sensitivity to soy and cow's milk (CM) proteins in IgAN patients (n = 28) compared to healthy subjects (n = 18) The rectal mucosal production of nitric oxide (NO) and release of myeloperoxidase (M PO) and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were measured Serum samples were analyzed for IgA and IgG antibodies to a-lactalbumin, P-lactoglobulin, casein and soy Results 14 of 28 (14/28) patients experienced a rectal mucosal reaction, measured by increased NO and/or MPO levels, upon rectal challenge with soy and/or cow's milk proteins The levels of IgG antibodies to a-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin and casein were significantly higher in CM sensitive as compared with non-sensitive IgAN patients, whereas the mean serum levels of IgA antibodies were similar No differences were seen in serum levels of IgA or IgG antibodies to soy Conclusion It is concluded that approximately half of our IgAN patients have a rectal mucosal sensitivity to soy or CM, and that an immune reactivity against antigens may be involved in the pathogenesis of IgAN in this subgroup of patients

Nyckelord

IgA nephropathy

food antigens

milk sensitivity

soy sensitivity

nitrogen oxide

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)