Autoantibodies related to ataxia and other central nervous system manifestations of gluten enteropathy

Gluten ataxia and other central nervous system disorders could be linked to gluten enteropathy and related autoantibodies.In this narrative review,we focus on the various neuro-logical manifestations in patients with gluten sensitivity/celiac disease,immunological and autoimmune mechanisms of ataxia in connection to gluten sensitivity and the autoantibodies that could be used as a biomarker for diagnosing and following.We focused on the anti-gliadin antibodies,antibodies to different isoforms of tissue transglutaminase(TG)(anti-TG2,3,and 6 antibodies),anti-glycine receptor antibodies,anti-glutamine acid decarboxylase antibodies,anti-deamidated gliadin peptides antibodies,etc.Most studies found a higher prevalence of these antibodies in patients with gluten sensitivity and neurological dysfunction,presented as different neurological disorders.We also discuss the role of a gluten-free diet on the clinical improvement of patients and also on imaging of these disorders.

A novel AgNPs/MOF substrate-based SERS sensor for high-sensitive on-site detection of wheat gluten

Gluten,known as the major allergen in wheat,has gained increasing concerns in industrialized countries,resulting in an urgent need for accurate,high-sensitive,and on-site detection of wheat gluten in complex food systems.Herein,we proposed a silver nanoparticles(AgNPs)/metal-organic framework(MOF)substrate-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering(SERS)sensor for the high-sensitive on-site detection of wheat gluten.The detection occurred on the newly in-situ synthesized AgNPs/MOF-modified SERS substrate,providing an enhancement factor(EF)of 1.89×10^(5).Benefitting from the signal amplification function of AgNPs/MOF and the superiority of SERS,this sensor represented high sensitivity performance and a wide detection range from 1×10^(-15)mol/L to 2×10^(-6)mol/L with a detection limit of 1.16×10^(-16)mol/L,which allowed monitoring the trace of wheat gluten in complex food system without matrix interference.This reliable sandwich SERS sensor may provide a promising platform for high-sensitive,accurate,and on-site detection of allergens in the field of food safety.

Effect of Aspergillus niger prolyl endopeptidase in patients with celiac disease on a long-term gluten-free diet

BACKGROUND The gluten-free diet(GFD)has limitations,and there is intense research in the development of adjuvant therapies.AIM To examine the effects of orally administered Aspergillus niger prolyl endopeptidase protease(AN-PEP)on inadvertent gluten exposure and symptom prevention in adult celiac disease(CeD)patients following their usual GFD.METHODS This was an exploratory,double-blind,randomized,placebo-controlled trial that enrolled CeD patients on a long-term GFD.After a 4-wk run-in period,patients were randomized to 4 wk of two AN-PEP capsules(GliadinX;AVI Research,LLC,United States)at each of three meals per day or placebo.Outcome endpoints were:(1)Average weekly stool gluten immunogenic peptides(GIP)between the run-in and end of treatments and between AN-PEP and placebo;(2)celiac symptom index(CSI);(3)CeD-specific serology;and(4)quality of life.Stool samples were collected for GIP testing by ELISA every Tuesday and Friday during run-ins and treatments.RESULTS Forty patients were randomized for the intention-to-treat analysis,and three were excluded from the per-protocol assessment.Overall,628/640(98.1%)stool samples were collected.GIP was undetectable(<0.08μg/g)in 65.6%of samples,and no differences between treatment arms were detected.Only 0.5%of samples had GIP concentrations sufficiently high(>0.32μg/g)to potentially cause mucosal damage.Median GIP concentration in the AN-PEP arm was 44.7%lower than in the run-in period.One-third of patients exhibiting GIP>0.08μg/g during run-in had lower or undetectable GIP after AN-PEP treatment.Compared with the run-in period,the proportion of symptomatic patients(CSI>38)in the AN-PEP arm was significantly lower(P<0.03).AN-PEP did not result in changes in specific serologies.CONCLUSION This exploratory study conducted in a real-life setting revealed high adherence to the GFD.The AN-PEP treatment did not significantly reduce the overall GIP stool concentration.However,given the observation of a significantly lower prevalence of patients with severe symptoms in the AN-PEP arm,further clinical research is warranted.

Validation of Molecular Detection Methods for Gluten Allergens in Infant Formula

[Objectives]To verify the specificity,sensitivity,precision and negative-positive deviation of the foodproof gluten component de-tection kit for the detection of gluten allergens in milk powder matrix,and to establish a real-time fluorescent PCR legal method for the detec-tion of gluten allergens in milk powder.[Methods]The specificity,sensitivity,precision and negative-positive deviation of the detection method of foodproof gluten component detection kit(PCR-probe method)were verified by artificially adding different concentrations of wheat bran and extracting sample DNA by kit method,and applied to sample detection.[Results] The specific detection results of two kinds of milk powder with wheat bran and buckwheat added showed that the foodproof gluten component detection kit(PCR-probe method)had good speci-ficity for wheat gluten.The results of artificially added wheat bran positive samples showed that the false positive rate and false negative rate of the kit in the milk powder matrix were O,and the sensitivity and precision were high.[Conclusions]The kit is simple to operate and has high accuracy,which is suitable for the detection of gluten allergen components in milk powder.

Study and Formulation of Composite Flours Based on Gluten Flour and Local Cereal Flours: Fonio, Millet and Sorghum

This study makes it possible to establish baking flours of nutritional quality and technologically acceptable following the increase in their rheological parameters due to the insertion of gluten flour. The composite flours were obtained using the Philips mixer type (model HR2811). The nutritional qualities of the formulated flours were determined by the Kjeldahl, AOAC 985-29, UV-VIS spectrophotometry (DR 5000;HACH and LANGE, France) and Soxhlet gravimetric methods. The compounds obtained are respectively: Protein, carbohydrate, lipid, micronutrient and vitamin contents. Monitoring the analysis of functional properties (water and oil absorption capacity) as well as baking value.

Investigation of Aegilops umbellulata for stripe rust resistance,heading date,and the contents of iron,zinc,and gluten protein

Aegilops umbellulata(UU)is a wheat wild relative that has potential use in the genetic improvement of wheat.In this study,46 Ae.umbellulata accessions were investigated for stripe rust resistance,heading date(HD),and the contents of iron(Fe),zinc(Zn),and seed gluten proteins.Forty-two of the accessions were classified as resistant to stripe rust,while the other four accessions were classified as susceptible to stripe rust in four environments.The average HD of Ae.umbellulata was significantly longer than that of three common wheat cultivars(180.9 d vs.137.0 d),with the exception of PI226500(138.9 d).The Ae.umbellulata accessions also showed high variability in Fe(69.74-348.09 mg kg^(-1))and Zn(49.83-101.65 mg kg^(-1))contents.Three accessions(viz.,PI542362,PI542363,and PI554399)showed relatively higher Fe(230.96-348.09 mg kg^(-1))and Zn(92.46-101.65 mg kg^(-1))contents than the others.The Fe content of Ae.umbellulata was similar to those of Ae.comosa and Ae.markgrafii but higher than those of Ae.tauschii and common wheat.Aegilops umbellulata showed a higher Zn content than Ae.tauschii,Ae.comosa,and common wheat,but a lower content than Ae.markgrafii.Furthermore,Ae.umbellulata had the highest proportion of γ-gliadin among all the species investigated(Ae.umbellulata vs.other species=mean 72.11%vs.49.37%;range:55.33-86.99%vs.29.60-67.91%).These results demonstrated that Ae.umbellulata exhibits great diversity in the investigated traits,so it can provide a potential gene pool for the genetic improvement of these traits in wheat.

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: All wheat attack is not celiac

Currently,1% of the United States population holds a diagnosis for celiac disease(CD),however,a more recently recognized and possibly related condition,"non-celiac gluten sensitivity"(NCGS)has been suggested to affect up to 6%of the United States public.While reliable clinical tests for CD exist,diagnosing individuals affected by NCGS is still complicated by the lack of reliable biomarkers and reliance upon a broad set of intestinal and extra intestinal symptoms possibly provoked by gluten.NCGS has been proposed to exhibit an innate immune response activated by gluten and several other wheat proteins.At present,an enormous food industry has developed to supply gluten-free products(GFP)with GFP sales in 2014 approaching$1 billion,with estimations projecting sales to reach$2 billion in the year 2020.The enormous demand for GFP also reflects a popular misconception among consumers that gluten avoidance is part of a healthy lifestyle choice.Features of NCGS and other gluten related disorders(e.g.,irritable bowel syndrome)call for a review of current distinctive diagnostic criteria that distinguish each,and identification of biomarkers selective or specific for NCGS.The aim of this paper is to review our current understanding of NCGS,highlighting the remaining challenges and questions which may improve its diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis of gluten related disorders: Celiac disease, wheat allergy and non-celiac gluten sensitivity

Cereal crops and cereal consumption have had a vital role in Mankind's history. In the recent years gluten ingestion has been linked with a range of clinical disorders. Gluten-related disorders have gradually emerged as an epidemiologically relevant phenomenon with an estimated global prevalence around 5%. Celiac disease, wheat allergy and non-celiac gluten sensitivity represent different gluten-related disorders. Similar clinical manifestations can be observed in these disorders, yet there are peculiar pathogenetic pathways involved in their development. Celiac disease and wheat allergy have been extensively studied, while non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a relatively novel clinical entity, believed to be closely related to other gastrointestinal functional syndromes. The diagnosis of celiac disease and wheat allergy is based on a combination of findings from the patient's clinical history and specific tests, including serology and duodenal biopsies in case of celiac disease, or laboratory and functional assays for wheat allergy. On the other hand, non-celiac gluten sensitivity is still mainly a diagnosis of exclusion, in the absence of clear-cut diagnostic criteria. A multimodal pragmatic approach combining findings from the clinical history, symptoms, serological and histological tests is required in order to reach an accurate diagnosis. A thorough knowledge of the differences and overlap in clinical presentation among gluten-related disorders, and between them and other gastrointestinal disorders, will help clinicians in the process of differential diagnosis.

Extra-intestinal manifestations of non-celiac gluten sensitivity: an expanding paradigm

Non celiac gluten sensitivity(NCGS) is a syndrome characterized by a cohort of symptoms related to the ingestion of gluten-containing food in subjects who are not affected by celiac disease(CD) or wheat allergy. The possibility of systemic manifestations in this condition has been suggested by some reports. In most cases they are characterized by vague symptoms such as ‘foggy mind', headache, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, leg or arm numbness even if more specific complaints have been described. NCGS has an immune-related background. Indeed there is a strong evidence that a selective activation of innate immunity may be the trigger for NCGS inflammatory response. The most commonly autoimmune disorders associated to NCGS are Hashimoto thyroiditis, dermatitis herpetiformis, psoriasis and rheumatologic diseases. The predominance of Hashimoto thyroiditis represents an interesting finding, since it has been indirectly confirmed by an Italian study, showing that autoimmune thyroid disease is a risk factor for the evolution towards NCGS in a group of patients with minimal duodenal inflammation. On these bases, an autoimmune stigma in NCGS is strongly supported; it could be a characteristic feature that could help the diagnosis and be simultaneously managed. A possible neurological involvement has been underlined by NCGS association with gluten ataxia, gluten neuropathy and gluten encephalopathy. NCGS patients may show even psychiatric diseases such as depression, anxiety and psychosis. Finally, a link with functional disorders(irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia) is a topic under discussion. In conclusion, the novelty of this matter has generated an expansion of literature data with the unavoidable consequence that some reports are often based on low levels of evidence. Therefore, only studies performed on large samples with the inclusion of control groups will be able to clearly establish whether the large information from the literature regarding extra-intestinal NCGS manifestations could be supported by evidence-based agreements.

Clinical and diagnostic aspects of gluten related disorders

Gluten is one of the most abundant and widely distributed components of food in many areas. It can be included in wheat, barley, rye, and grains such as oats, barley, spelt, kamut, and triticale. Gluten-containinggrains are widely consumed; in particular, wheat is one of the world's primary sources of food, providing up to 50% of the caloric intake in both industrialized and developing countries. Until two decades ago, celiac disease(CD) and other gluten-related disorders were believed to be exceedingly rare outside of Europe and were relatively ignored by health professionals and the global media. In recent years, however, the discovery of important diagnostic and pathogenic milestones led CD from obscurity to global prominence. In addition, interestingly, people feeding themselves with glutenfree products greatly outnumber patients affected by CD, fuelling a global consumption of gluten-free foods with approximately $2.5 billion in United States sales each year. The acknowledgment of other medical conditions related to gluten that has arisen as health problems, providing a wide spectrum of gluten-related disorders. In February 2011, a new nomenclature for gluten-related disorders was created at a consensus conference in London. In this review, we analyse innovations in the field of research that emerged after the creation of the new classification, with particular attention to the new European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition guidelines for CD and the most recent research about non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Conditional and unconditional QTLs mapping of gluten strength in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Dissecting the genetic relationships among gluten-related traits is important for high quality wheat breeding. Quantita- tive trait loci （QTLs） analysis for gluten strength, as measured by sedimentation volume （SV） and gluten index （GI）, was performed using the QTLNetwork 2.0 software. Recombinant inbred lines （RILs） derived from the winter wheat varieties Shannong 01-35xGaocheng 9411 were used for the study. A total of seven additive QTLs for gluten strength were identi- fied using an unconditional analysis. QGi1D-13 and QSv1D-14 were detected through unconditional and conditional QTLs mapping, which explained 9.15-45.08% of the phenotypic variation. QTLs only identified under conditional QTL mapping were located in three marker intervals： WPT-3743-GLU-D1 （1D）, WPT-7001-WMC258 （1B）, and WPT-8682-WPT-5562 （1B）. Six pairs of epistatic QTLs distributed nine chromosomes were identified. Of these, two main effect QTLs （QGi1D-13 and QSvlD-14） and 12 pairs of epistatic QTLs were involved in interactions with the environment. The results indicated that chromosomes 1B and 1D are important for the improvement of gluten strength in common wheat. The combination of conditional and unconditional QTLs mapping could be useful for a better understanding of the interdependence of different traits at the QTL molecular level.

Gluten immunogenic peptide excretion detects dietary transgressions in treated celiac disease patients

BACKGROUND Life-long removal of gluten from the diet is currently the only way to manage celiac disease(CeD). Until now, no objective test has proven useful to objectively detect ingested gluten in clinical practice. Recently, tests that determine consumption of gluten by assessing excretion of gluten immunogenic peptides(GIP) in stool and urine have been developed. Their utility, in comparison with conventional dietary and analytical follow-up strategies, has not been fully established.AIM To assess the performance of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and point-of-care tests(PoCTs) for GIP excretion in CeD patients on gluten-free diet(GFD).METHODS We conducted an observational, prospective, cross-sectional study in patients following a GFD for at least two years. Using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale questionnaire, patients were classified at enrollment as asymptomatic or symptomatic. Gluten consumption was assessed twice by 3-d dietary recall and GIP excretion(by ELISA in stool and PoCTs(commercial kits for stool and urine) in two consecutive samples. These samples and dietary reports were obtained 10 day apart one from the other. Patients were encouraged to follow their usual GFD during the study period.RESULTS Forty-four patients were enrolled, of which 19(43.2%) were symptomatic despite being on a GFD. Overall, 83 sets of stool and/or urine samples were collected.Eleven out of 44 patients(25.0%) had at least one positive GIP test. The occurrence of at least one positive test was 32% in asymptomatic patients compared with 15.8% in symptomatic patients. GIP was concordant with dietary reports in 65.9% of cases(Cohen′s kappa: 0.317). PoCT detected dietary indiscretions. Both ELISA and PoCT in stool were concordant(concomitantly positive or negative) in 67 out of 74(90.5%) samples. Excretion of GIP was detected in 7(8.4%) stool and/or urine samples from patients considered to be strictly compliant with the GFD by dietary reports.CONCLUSION GIP detects dietary transgressions in patients on long-term GFD, irrespective of the presence of symptoms. PoCT for GIP detection constitutes a simple homebased method for self-assessment of dietary indiscretions.

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity:Time for sifting the grain

In the last few years, a new nomenclature has been proposed for the disease induced by the ingestion of gluten, a protein present in wheat, rice, barley and oats. Besides celiac disease and wheat allergy, the most studied forms of gluten-related disorders characterized by an evident immune mechanism(autoimmune in celiac disease and Ig E-mediated in wheat allergy), a new entity has been included, apparently not driven by an aberrant immune response: the non-celiac gluten sensitivity(NCGS). NCGS is characterized by a heterogeneous clinical picture with intestinal and extraintestinal symptoms arising after gluten ingestion and rapidly improving after its withdrawal from the diet. The pathogenesis of NCGS is largely unknown, but a mixture of factors such as the stimulation of the innate immune system, the direct cytotoxic effects of gluten, and probably the synergy with other wheat molecules, are clues for the complicated puzzle. In addition, the diagnostic procedures still remain problematic due to the absence of efficient diagnostic markers; thus, diagnosis is based upon the symptomatic response to a gluten-free diet and the recurrence of symptoms after gluten reintroduction with the possibility of an important involvement of a placebo effect. The temporary withdrawal of gluten seems a reasonable therapy, but the timing of gluten reintroduction and the correct patient management approach are have not yet been determined.

Celiac disease:Overview and considerations for development of gluten-free foods

Celiac disease is a genetically-determined chronic inflammatory intestinal disease induced by gluten in wheat,barley,rye etc.Celiac disease affects approximately one percent of people in the world and strict gluten-free diet(GFD)for a lifetime is the only available treatment.As gluten-free products available in the market are known to have low nutritional quality as well as are more expensive than gluten-containing food products,there is a strong need to develop gluten-free products that are nutritionally complete as well as economical.This review focuses on the special considerations during developing gluten-free products viz.,finding an alternate non-gluten source,ensuring nutrition and sensory quality characteristics,compliance with the regulatory guidelines,economics and product.

Determination of gluten immunogenic peptides for the management of the treatment adherence of celiac disease: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Gluten is a complex mixture of proteins with immunogenic peptide sequences triggering the autoimmune activity in patients with celiac disease(CeD).Gluten immunogenic peptides(GIP)are resistant to gastrointestinal digestion and are then excreted via the stool and urine.Most common detection methods applied in the follow-up visits for CeD patients such as serology tests,dietetic interviews,questionnaires,and duodenal biopsy have been proved to be inefficient,invasive,or inaccurate for evaluating gluten-free diet(GFD)compliance.Determination of excreted GIP in stool and urine has been developed as a non-invasive,direct,and specific test for GFD monitoring.AIM To summarize published literature about the clinical utility of GIP determination in comparison to the tools employed for GFD monitoring.METHODS PubMed and Web of Science searches were performed using the keywords“gluten immunogenic peptides”or“gluten immunogenic peptide”and a combination of the previous terms with“feces”,“stools”,“urine”,“celiac disease”,“gluten-free diet”,and“adherence”to identify relevant clinical studies published in English and Spanish between 2012 to January 2021.Reference lists from the articles were reviewed to identify additional pertinent articles.Published articles and abstracts reporting the clinical use of GIP determination in stool and/or urine for the follow-up of patients with CeD in comparison with other tools in use were included.Case reports,commentaries,reviews,conference papers,letters,and publications that did not focus on the aims of this review were excluded.RESULTS Total of 15 publications were found that involved the use of GIP determination in stool and/or urine to monitor the adherence to the GFD in comparison to other tools.Studies included both children and adults diagnosed with CeD and healthy volunteers.Overall,these preliminary studies indicated that this novel technique was highly sensitive for the detection of GFD transgressions and therefore could facilitate the follow-up of patients with CeD.Tools identified in this work included the CeD-specific serology,dietetic questionnaires,symptomatology,and the duodenal biopsy.Review of the literature revealed that the rates of GFD adherence may vary between 30%-93%using either stool or urine GIP determination,49%-96%by the serology,59%-94%using the dietetic questionnaires,56%-95%by the reported symptoms and 44%-76%with the duodenal biopsy.In addition,the association between the different methods and histological abnormalities(Marsh II-III)was found to be 33%-100%for GIP determination(stool and urine),25%-39%for CeD-specific serology,3%-50%for dietetic questionnaires,and 22%-28%for the symptomatology.CONCLUSION Excreted GIP detection is the precise approach for determining voluntary or involuntary gluten consumption in CeD patients preventing future complications arising from gluten exposure.

Study on Parameters of Consumer Preferences for Alternative Wheat Products (Gluten-Free Foods) in USA and India

Celiac Disease (CD) is an inherited, autoimmune disorder in which proteins from the grains wheat, rye and barley (collectively called gluten) damage the small intestine. The only treatment for CD is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. With a prevalence rate of about one in 100-133 people worldwide. Celiac disease is wide-spread across the globe. Unlike traditional allergies, which cause immediate reactions, gluten sensitivity is harder to pin down since it manifests gradually and in various forms like headaches, stomach cramps, bloating, anxiety, and depression. Due to complicated diagnosis procedure and lack of awareness, many cases are either misdiagnosed or not at all diagnosed in India and USA. In spite of high growth, gluten-free foods are facing problems to grain ground in Asian market, due to high price, lack of awareness about the products, large number of un-diagnosed cases and inefficient value chain for gluten-free products. One of the major issues in India and USA is very high prices of gluten-free foods as compared to regular food products. Globally, the market potential of gluten free products is estimated to be USD 4639.13 Million and USD 7594.43 Million in 2015 and 2020 respectively. The global gluten free food market is projected to grow with a CAGR between 9 percent and 10.2 percent during 2016-2022. The study on consumer preference of gluten-free foods would enable manufacturers of gluten-free foods to understand the current and evolving expectations of consumers and to design the products according. Study of two countries i.e., India and USA would enable manufacturers to understand the difference in choices and preferences related to gluten-free foods for both the nations. This study would help manufacturers of alternative wheat product to form the concrete marketing and product development strategy based on recent consumer behavior trends.

Correlation of Gluten Molecular Conformation with Dough Viscoelastic Properties during Storage

Significant correlations exist for the total sample between the dough viscoelastic properties and quality, but little information about these links is available. This study investigates the relationship between the gluten molecular conformation and the dough viscoelastic properties of the Zhengmai 379 wheat variety with different relative humidity(RH) values during storage.The results showed that protein extractability, free sulfhydryl(SH) groups, and wet gluten contents decreased to a certain degree during storage, while the glutenin quantity significantly varied. Significant negative correlation coefficients were found between the dough viscosity at 50% RH and the β-turn contents at 40% RH(-0.918) or 60% RH(-0.949)(P < 0.01), the dough viscosity at50% RH and the β-turn contents at 50% RH(-0.912)(P < 0.05), and the dough viscosity at 50% RH and the α-helix/β-sheet ratio at 40% RH(-0.875), 50% RH(-0.869), or 60% RH(-0.843)(P < 0.05). Significant correlation coefficients were further observed between the dough viscosity at 50% RH and the β-sheet contents at 60% RH(0.927)(P < 0.01) and between the dough viscosity at50% RH and the β-sheet contents at 40% RH(0.910) or 50% RH(0.908)(P < 0.05). A decrease in the free SH groups of gluten and an increase in the low-molecular weight contents suggested that gliadin was incorporated via SS crosslinking to the glutenin-like protein, which did not dissolve in ethanol.

Big Data Study for Gluten-Free Foods in India and USA Using Online Reviews and Social Media

Celiac disease, gluten-allergy or gluten-sensitivity is caused due to glutamine protein from the grains like wheat, rye and barley (collectively called gluten). This protein damages the small intestine and causes stomach pain, bloating, weakness etc. Celiac disease, gluten-allergy or gluten-sensitivity has never really been taken seriously in developing countries like India. However, in developed nations like UK, USA, Canada and other parts of Europe, gluten-free foods have become quite popular. With a prevalence rate of about one in 100 - 133 people worldwide, celiac disease is widespread across the globe and life-long consumption of gluten-free food is recommended treatment for this allergy. Apart from celiac-disease patients, gluten-free foods are also consumed by health conscious people for weight management and high protein diet and by the patients for diabetes, autism and food allergies. Apart from gluten-free flour, biscuits, cookies and snacks, product innovations like gluten-free beers are becoming very popular. Big data including online blogs, articles, and reviews have played a major role in increased sales of gluten-free foods. Thus, analysis of editorial and social media content becomes essential to understand the leading trends in gluten-free foods. This study provided deep insights about positive, negative and neutral sentiments related to gluten-free foods using the data from Perspectory Media Insights and Google Trends. This study also revealed that most of the consumers talked and expected product innovation in food sections like snacks, fast food (pizza, pasta and noodles) and desserts through comments on social and editorial media. Searches were divided into developed (e.g., U.S.A.) and developing nations (e.g., India) to get more details about the consumer preferences. This study would help manufacturers of gluten-free foods to develop food products according to the choices and preferences of consumers. The study is very unique in itself since it combines big data to niche food market of gluten-free foods to draw the valuable consumer preferences using online platforms.

Effect of Gluten on Pasting Properties of Wheat Starch

The effect of gluten on pasting properties of wheat starch was studied to provide a scientific basis for the application of gluten in food production and quality improvement in wheat breeding. The pasting properties of blends were analyzed using PH 1391 wheat starch mixed with five different additions of three kinds of gluten （strong-, medium-, and weak-gluten） and the structures of network were observed with microscope. The significant downtrends of peak viscosity, trough viscosity, final viscosity, area of viscosity, setback, and peak time were observed with the increase in the addition of gluten. In general, the average value of them decreased respectively by 3.6, 4.8, 3.4, 3.8, 4.0, and 1.18% of those corresponding indexes of pure starch for every 2% increase in gluten. The decreasing rate of the indexes mentioned above exceeded more than 2% except peak time, but there were no significant influence of gluten addition on breakdown, pasting temperature and pasting time. The inter layer composed of gluten was not observed when the addition of gluten was 10%, as the compound formed of gluten inlaid in the paste of starch, but obvious inter layer was detected when the addition of gluten was 18%. There was significant or remarkable difference among the effects of three different kinds of gluten on the peak viscosity, trough viscosity, area of viscosity, setback, and peak time, but it had no significant difference among the effects of different glutens on pasting temperature and pasting time. The descending order of the effect of different glutens on peak viscosity, trough viscosity, and area of viscosity was strong-, medium-, and weak-gluten, but the order of them for setback was opposite. Both addition and types of gluten significantly affected peak viscosity, trough viscosity, area of viscosity, setback, and peak time, but there were no significant effects of it on peak time and peak temperature.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten on Growth Performance, Cell Immunity and Serum Biochemical Indices of Weaned Piglets (Sus scrofa)

To investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with hydrolyzed wheat gluten （HWG） on growth performance, cell immunity and serum biochemical indices of weaned piglets, 160 crossed （Large White×andrace） and weaned piglets were randomly divided into 4 treatments with 4 replicates of 10 piglets each. The piglets in each treatment were fed an experimental diet containing either 0 g kg-1 HWG （control group）, 30 g kg-1 HWG （3% HWG group）, 50 g kg-1 HWG （5% HWG group）, or 2.5 g kg-1 glycyl-L-glutamine （0.25% Gly-Gln group）. The results showed that the diarrhea rates in 3% HWG and 5% HWG groups were significantly lower than in control group from d 1 to 14 （P〈0.05）, while the average daily gain （ADG） in each of two groups was increased （P〉0.05）. When compared with control group, dietary supplementation with 3% HWG increased the ratio of CD4＋：CD8＋ and the ratio of serum albumin and globulin concentrations （A：G） on d 14 and 28, as well as the proliferation of T- and B-lymphocytes （P〉0.05） on d 28. In addition, on d 14 and 28, the A：G ratio in 5% HWG group was significantly higher than in control group （P〈0.05）, while the ratio of CD4＋：CD8＋ increased slightly （P〉0.05）. Interestingly, 0.25% Gly-Gln group had higher proportion of CD3＋ （P〉0.05） and CD4＋ （P〈0.05） on d 14 than control group, but growth performances of 0.25% Gly-Gln group were negatively affected at all experiment stages. These results suggested that HWG might improve the growth performance of piglets by strengthening cell immunity and decreasing the occurrence of diarrhea during the prophase after weaning.