ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are susceptible to gastrointestinal diseases. Sensitivity to nutritional elements, for example gluten, has been suggested, but a serological screening has not been performed yet. METHODS: A gluten-containing diet was offered to 24 animals, followed by a gluten-free diet. During these diets, serum IgA antibodies to gliadin (AGA), tissue transglutaminase (tTG), deamidated gliadin (ADGA), and glycoprotein 2 (AGP2A) were determined. Body weight, diarrhea, and other clinical symptoms were recorded. RESULTS: Gluten increased AGA, tTG, and AGP2A concentrations in 13 of 24 animals. A significant decline of AGA and AGP2A was seen on gluten withdrawal. Positive (AGA, tTG) animals presented diarrhea more frequently on gluten-containing diet and showed significantly increased body weight on gluten-free diet compared to negative animals. CONCLUSION: Gluten ingestion caused gastrointestinal symptoms in common marmosets, which disappeared on gluten withdrawal. Considering the immunological response to both diets, gluten sensitivity seems to be most likely.
Subject(s)
Callithrix/immunology , Celiac Disease/immunology , Glutens/immunology , Animals , Body Weight/immunology , Celiac Disease/enzymology , Celiac Disease/metabolism , Feces/chemistry , Female , GTP-Binding Proteins/biosynthesis , GTP-Binding Proteins/blood , Gliadin/metabolism , Glutens/adverse effects , Immunoglobulin A/biosynthesis , Immunoglobulin A/blood , Male , Protein Glutamine gamma Glutamyltransferase 2 , Transglutaminases/biosynthesis , Transglutaminases/blood , Up-Regulation/immunologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Many human diseases are modulated by intrauterine environment, which is called prenatal programming. This study investigated effects of prenatal glucocorticoids on the lipid metabolism of three filial generations of common marmosets. METHODS: Pregnant primates were treated with dexamethasone during pregnancy. Body weight and blood lipid parameters of adult female offspring (F1: n = 5, F2: n = 6, F3: n = 3) were compared with age-related female controls (n = 12). RESULTS: F1, F2, and F3 offspring showed significantly lower percentage of plasma n3 fatty acids than controls. F2 and F3 presented higher cholesterol levels, with significantly more LDL cholesterol, significantly less HDL triglycerides and an enhanced cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio. Body weight was not significantly affected. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal dexamethasone led to higher amounts of cardiovascular risk factors and less protective parameters in female F1-F3 offspring. The intergenerational consequences suggest prenatal programming through epigenetic effects.
