Urinary levels of regenerating protein Iα do not differentiate celiac patients and healthy subjects.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder induced by gluten in genetically predisposed people. The discovery of new biomarkers may help in the diagnosis and follow-up of celiac patients. Regenerating islet-derived 1 alpha (REGI alpha) - a biomarker related to tissue regeneration - is increased in serum at the onset of the disease, decreasing after gluten-free diet (GFD). As REGI alpha is a 18 kDa soluble glycoprotein, it may be detected in urine samples, increasing in celiac patients. We have determined REGI alpha levels by ELISA. No differences were found among patients (onset or after GFD) and controls and no correlation exists among REGI alpha in sera and urine.