What effect does gliadin-triggered inflammation have on the small intestine?

What effect does gliadin-triggered inflammation have on the small intestine?

• A. Damages the lining and impairs absorption
• B. Causes kidney damage
• C. Causes increased salivation
• D. Thickens mucosa to protect absorption

Answer: (A)

Gliadin triggers an immune response in the small intestine that inflames and damages the mucosa. In susceptible individuals, this inflammation leads to loss of villi (villous atrophy) and crypt hyperplasia, which shortens the absorptive surface and impairs nutrient uptake. As a result, absorption of iron, folate, calcium, fat, and fat-soluble vitamins becomes reduced, causing malabsorption and related symptoms. The inflammation damages the lining rather than thickening it, and it does not cause kidney damage or increased salivation.

Gliadin triggers an immune response in the small intestine that inflames and damages the mucosa. In susceptible individuals, this inflammation leads to loss of villi (villous atrophy) and crypt hyperplasia, which shortens the absorptive surface and impairs nutrient uptake. As a result, absorption of iron, folate, calcium, fat, and fat-soluble vitamins becomes reduced, causing malabsorption and related symptoms. The inflammation damages the lining rather than thickening it, and it does not cause kidney damage or increased salivation.