Nutritional α-amylase/trypsin inhibitors (ATIs) promote macrophage infiltration into liver associated with increased expression of the endocannabinoid 1 receptor (eCBr-1)

Introduction: Gluten proteins (gliadin) trigger celiac disease (CD) involving innate and adaptive immunity. CD has been found in about 3.5% of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We recently identified wheat ATIs (i.e., CM3 and 0.19) as strong activators of innate immune response(s) via toll like receptor (TLR)-4. eCBr-1(-/-) mice and pharmacological blockade of they abolished LPS-induced TLR4-mediated cytokine production indicating their critical role in TLR4 signalling. Chronic eCB stimulation has also been associated with metabolic alterations related to NAFLD. Objective: To evaluate the…