Leaky Gut / Celiac Lab Tests (Zonulin and tTG)

Cognoscopy Panel #4 for Testing Leaky Gut Syndrome

Zonulin test kit supplied by Doctors Data. Either as a stand alone kit or as an add on to the CDSA stool panel. Blood draw is with Lab Corp

Zonulin is a protein that modulates the permeability of tight junctions between cells in the digestive tract. It was discovered by Dr. Alessio Fasano in 2000. Zonulin is known to play a role in the regulation of the gut barrier function, and its deregulation is associated with several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as celiac disease and type 1 diabetes. When zonulin levels are high, it can lead to increased intestinal permeability, commonly referred to as “leaky gut,” which allows bacteria, toxins, and partially digested food particles to pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. This can trigger an immune response and lead to various health issues. Zonulin’s discovery has been crucial in understanding the pathology of certain autoimmune diseases and has opened new avenues for therapeutic strategies.

Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA and IgG are blood tests ordered through Lab Corp that are primarily used in the diagnosis and monitoring of celiac disease.

1. Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG): Tissue transglutaminase is an enzyme in the body. In celiac disease, the immune system mistakenly recognizes this enzyme as a threat when gluten is consumed. This results in the production of antibodies against tTG.
2. IgA and IgG: These refer to types of antibodies – Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG). In the context of celiac disease testing:
   • tTG IgA: This is the most commonly used test for the initial screening of celiac disease. Most people with celiac disease have high levels of tTG IgA in their blood. However, some individuals, especially those with certain immune deficiencies, may have a false negative result due to a lack of IgA.
   • tTG IgG: This test is usually ordered if the tTG IgA test is negative and there is still a strong suspicion of celiac disease, or if the patient has an IgA deficiency. The tTG IgG test can help diagnose celiac disease in individuals who do not produce normal amounts of IgA.

Both tests are highly specific for celiac disease. Elevated levels of these antibodies suggest an autoimmune response to gluten, which is characteristic of celiac disease. However, a positive test result does not definitively diagnose celiac disease; it indicates that further investigation, such as an intestinal biopsy, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

These tests can also be used to monitor adherence to a gluten-free diet in people diagnosed with celiac disease. If the diet is followed strictly, the levels of these antibodies should decrease, indicating reduced immune reaction to gluten.

 

Lab Corp #164640	t-Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA, IgG
Doctors Data	Zonulin Protein (plasma or stool) Add On