Claudins expression in the proximal and distal parts of duodenum in patients with celiac disease

Aims: Duodenal biopsy is an important method to diagnose celiac disease (CD), however, the most reliable location of biopsy site is questionable. Claudins (CLDN), members of adherent junction proteins, regulate the integrity and function of tight junctions in the intestinal mucosa. CLDN expression in CD is unknown. Aim: To examine whether proximal or distal part of duodenum is better in diagnosing villous atrophy in CD and to detect CLDN 2, 3, and 4 expressions in the proximal and distal parts of the duodenum in children with celiac disease and in controls. Patients and methods: 16 children (9 girls, mean age, 6…