Zonulin (IDK® Zonulin) (Stool) ELISA

Zonulin is a novel human protein analogue to the zonula occludens toxin derived
from Vibrio cholerae which participates in tight junctions between cells of the wall
of the digestive tract. Zonulin binds to a specific receptor on the surface of intestinal
epithelia and triggers a cascade of biochemical events which induces tight junction
disassembly and a subsequent permeability increase of the intestinal epithelia, allowing
some substances to pass through and activate immune reactions.
Fasano and his co-workers found that the zonulin-zonulin-receptor-system is more
activated in celiac disease and type 1 diabetes mellitus patients. Patients with active
celiac disease showed higher levels of zonulin and anti-zonulin antibodies compared
to non-celiac patients and patients in remission, who were on a gluten-free diet.
Concerning the autoimmune type 1 diabetes, in experiments with rats it could be
demonstrated that elevated zonulin levels as well as increased intestinal permeability
precede a type 1 diabetes disease. Conversely, type 1 diabetes could be prevented
by inhibition of zonulin in animal experiments.
In addition, it was reported that many people who suffer from celiac disease also suffer
from other autoimmune disorders. It is suggested that increased levels of zonulin
are a contributing factor to the development of celiac disease and other autoimmune
disorders such as insulin dependent diabetes, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid
arthritis.