Gluten exorphins are a group of

opioid peptide Opioid peptides or opiate peptides are peptides that bind to opioid receptors in the brain; opiates and opioids mimic the effect of these peptides. Such peptides may be produced by the body itself, for example endorphins. The effects of these p ...

s formed during the

digestion Digestion is the breakdown of large insoluble food compounds into small water-soluble components so that they can be absorbed into the blood plasma. In certain organisms, these smaller substances are absorbed through the small intestine into th ...

of the

gluten Gluten is a structural protein naturally found in certain Cereal, cereal grains. The term ''gluten'' usually refers to the elastic network of a wheat grain's proteins, gliadin and glutenin primarily, that forms readily with the addition of water ...

protein. These peptides work as external regulators for gastrointestinal movement and hormonal release. The breakdown of gliadin, a polymer of wheat proteins, creates amino acids that stop the gluten epitopes from entering the immune system to activate inflammatory reactions. During this process, gluten does not fully break down, thus increasing the presence of gluten exorphins. Because of this, researchers think this is what might lead to various diseases. Research shows the benefits of gluten- and casein-free diets for people with diseases and disorders connected to gluten exorphins. The mechanism behind this is still unknown. There is a possibility that gluten has deleterious effects on the human digestive system. When people are more susceptible to gluten and casein allergies, the weakened intestinal lining allows gluten exorphin to flow.

Names

Gluten exorphins produced by digestion of

gliadin Gliadin (a type of prolamin) is a class of proteins present in wheat and several other cereals within the grass genus ''Triticum''. Gliadins, which are a component of gluten, are essential for giving bread the ability to rise properly during ba ...

is called gliadorphin.

Known members

* For a key to the single-letter sequences, see . * All peptides sequences are assumed to start with NH₂- and end with -COOH, unless otherwise stated.

Gluten exorphin A4

* Structure: GYYP * Part of wheat glutenin sequence.

Gluten exorphin A5

* Structure: GYYPT * Chemical formula: C₂₉H₃₇N₅O₉ * Molecular weight: 599.64 g/mol * Part of wheat glutenin sequence.

Gluten exorphin B4

* Structure: YGGW * Chemical formula: C₂₄H₂₇N₅O₆ * Molecular weight: 481.50 g/mol

Gluten exorphin B5

* Structure: YGGWL * Chemical formula: C₃₀H₃₈N₆O₇ * Molecular weight: 594.66 g/mol

Gluten exorphin C/C5

* Structure: YPISL * Chemical formula: C₂₉H₄₅N₅O₈ * Molecular weight: 591.70 g/mol

Gliadorphin-7

* Structure: YPQPQPF * Part of wheat giladin sequence.

Clinical significance

Recent research surrounding gluten exorphins has revolved around how the peptides might play a role in various diseases and disorders.

Celiac disease

In response to gluten, people with celiac disease will release gluten exorphins as part of the allergic immune response. Due to the weakening of intestinal walls caused by celiac disease, some of these gluten exorphins can make their way through the lining of the intestines and are then absorbed into the bloodstream.

References

{{Opioidergics Opioid peptides Tetrapeptides Pentapeptides