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Which of the following diseases is caused by an adaptive immune response to the protein of gluten?

a. Crohn's disease.
b. Celiac disease.
c. Cholera.
d. None of the above.

User Matt Lynch
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Celiac disease is caused by an adaptive immune response to gluten, leading to damage in the small intestine which disrupts nutrient absorption. It is managed by adhering to a gluten-free diet. Crohn's disease, on the other hand, is not directly triggered by gluten but rather by other genetic and environmental factors.

Step-by-step explanation:

The disease caused by an adaptive immune response to the protein of gluten is Celiac disease. In individuals with this condition, ingestion of gluten - which is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and some other grains - triggers an autoimmune response. This autoimmune response leads to the production of autoantibodies and an inflammation that damages the microvilli lining the small intestine, negatively affecting nutrient absorption. This damage can result in various symptoms including weight loss, anemia, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Unlike Celiac disease, Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors affecting any part of the gastrointestinal tract but is not directly triggered by gluten.

Celiac disease is managed by following a strict gluten-free diet, which alleviates the symptoms and reduces the risk of developing related complications. It is important to distinguish Celiac disease from gluten-related allergies and other autoimmune disorders that affect the digestive system, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which have a different pathogenesis.

User Whoami
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