Changes in the composition and function of the gut microbiota in celiac disease

Evidence is supported the hypothesis that any changes in the composition and function of the gut microbiota play a fundamental role in a number of chronic inflammatory diseases including celiac disease (CD). In the last decade, several culture-independent methods have been developed to identify the components of the human microbiome. The study of microbiota based on nucleic acid analysis found in feces or other biological samples allows the characterization of non-cultivable microbes. Current evidence on the composition and role of the intestinal microbiota as triggers for CD is highly variable and sometimes contradictory. However, emerging evidence suggested that gut microbiota may be associated with development of several gastrointestinal diseases such as CD. The microbiota plays a key role in function and modulation of both innate and adaptive immunity. Recent studies have shown noticeable reduction in beneficial bacteria and increase in those potentially harmful microbes in patients with CD as compared to healthy controls. Thus, in this review we tried to discuss the relationship between the intestinal microbiome and CD.