Int J Clin Pract. 2021 Jun 17;e14452. doi: 10.1111/ijcp.14452. Online ahead of print.

Chiara Maria Trovato ^1 2, Monica Montuori ¹, Nicoletta Pietropaoli ¹, Salvatore Oliva ¹

Author information

• ¹Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Maternal and Child Health Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
• ²Hepatology Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, "Bambino Gesù" Children Hospital, Rome, Italy.

Abstract

Background: A growing body of evidence supports the intestinal trophism of SARS-CoV-2, with ciliated cells and intestinal enterocytes being target cells because of the high expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Indeed, COVID-19 promotes a "cytokine storm" in the intestinal mucosa: the resulting epithelial damage leads to increased barrier permeability, allowing the passage of gliadin in the intestinal lamina.

Methods: Based on current literature, we hypothesize the role of COVID-19 as a potential trigger factor for celiac disease in predisposed patients.

Conclusions: Genetically predisposed patients could be more likely to develop celiac disease following SARS-CoV-2 infection, making COVID-19 a candidate culprit for a potential outbreak of celiac disease in the forthcoming future.