Background and Aims. Nonceliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a gluten-related emerging condition. Since few data about NCGS\nhistopathology is available, we assessed the markers of lymphocyte and innate immunity activation. Materials and Methods. We\nretrieved duodenal biopsy samples of patients with NCGS diagnosis according to the Salerno criteria. We selected specimens of\npositive (seropositive celiac disease/Marsh 1-2 stage) and negative (normal microscopic picture) controls. Immunohistochemistry\nfor CD3 (intraepithelial lymphocytes-IELs), CD4 (T helper lymphocytes), CD8 (T cytotoxic lymphocytes), and CD1a/CD117\n(Langerhans/mast cells) was performed. ANOVA plus Bonferroniâ��s tests were used for statistical analysis. Results. Twenty\nNCGS, 16 celiac disease, and 16 negative controls were selected. CD3 in NCGS were higher than negative controls and lower\nthan celiac disease (18.5 �± 6.4, 11.9 �± 2.8, and 40.8 �± 8.1 IELs/100 enterocytes; p < 0 001). CD4 were lower in NCGS than controls\nand celiac disease (31.0 �± 22.1, 72.5 �± 29.5, and 103.7 �± 15.7 cells/mm2; p < 0 001). CD8 in NCGS were similar to negative\ncontrols, but lower than celiac disease (14.0 �± 7.4 and 34.0 �± 7.1 IELs/100 enterocytes, p < 0 001). CD117 were higher in NCGS\nthan celiac disease and negative controls (145.8 �± 49.9, 121.3 �± 13.1, and 113.5 �± 23.4 cells/mm2; p = 0 009). Conclusions. The\ncombination of CD4 and CD117, as well as IEL characterization, may be useful to support a clinical diagnosis of NCGS.
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