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World J Stem Cells. Apr 26, 2014; 6(2): 213-229
Published online Apr 26, 2014. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v6.i2.213
Intestinal stem cells and celiac disease
Anna Chiara Piscaglia
Anna Chiara Piscaglia, Endoscopy and Gastroenterology Unit, State Hospital-Republic of San Marino, 47893 Borgo Maggiore, Repubblica di San Marino
Author contributions: Piscaglia AC designed and wrote this manuscript.
Correspondence to: Anna Chiara Piscaglia, MD, PhD, Endoscopy and Gastroenterology Unit, State Hospital-Republic of San Marino, Via Scialoja 20, 47893 Borgo Maggiore, Repubblica di San Marino. annachiarapiscaglia@hotmail.com
Telephone: +39-347-1015909
Received: October 30, 2013
Revised: March 1, 2014
Accepted: March 11, 2014
Published online: April 26, 2014
Processing time: 179 Days and 23.9 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: The intestinal epithelium has a high turnover rate since most of the epithelial cells are replaced every 3 to 5 d. This renewal is driven by intestinal stem cells residing within the crypt base at the origin of the crypt-to-villus hierarchical migratory pattern. Many aspects of the pathogenesis of celiac disease have been elucidated over the last years regarding the interactions among genetic and immunological factors, intestinal barrier and gut microbiota. Conversely, little is known about intestinal stem cell modulation and deregulation in celiac disease. The current knowledge regarding celiac disease and intestinal stem cells, and the potential role of stem cells in the development and treatment of the disease are summarized.

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