Hwp-1, also known as Hyphal Wall Protein-1, is an amino acid within the cell wall of Candida albicans that enables Candida cells to attach to the intestinal cells. The sequence of amino acids that make up Hwp-1 are identical or highly similar to the proteins, α-gliadin and γ-gliadin found in gluten (Wheat, barley, rye) products. When Candida attaches to the intestinal wall, the body’s immune system responds.

The cells of the immune system don’t recognize the Hwp-1 as being separate from the intestinal cell. It sees them as both being a part of the same foreign material. From that point on, it can then target both substances either together or separately.

Due to the similarities between Hwp-1 and gluten proteins, this can lead to autoimmune diseases like Celiac Disease where the immune system attacks the cells of the intestine when gluten products are ingested. This autoimmune process has been implicated in a host of other inflammatory conditions and patterns throughout the body. Over 150 medical conditions have been reported to have an increased prevalence among gluten sensitive individuals. Long-term inflammation of the intestinal tract can also lead to malabsorption syndromes, anemia, immunosuppression, nervous system disorders, infertility, inflammatory bowel disorders, and cancers.

Over the past several decades, there has been an increase in the number of Celiac individuals, as well as many other inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Crohn’s Disease is 7 times more likely in celiac/gluten sensitive individuals. Today, the incidence of Celiac is as high as 1 in every 100 individuals, or roughly over 3 million people in the United States alone. While this is a tremendous increase in a condition that was considered rare just a few decades ago, some authors believe it is understated.

In an effort to better understand this rapid increase, researchers have been looking for clues as to what could cause such an increase. Enter the age of antibiotics.

Since the advent of antibiotics in the late 1940s, the incidence of diseases and conditions related to the intestinal tract has increased dramatically. Chief among these are candida albicans-related infections and conditions. Beginning in 1950, there was a tremendous increase in the number of research articles being produced on the widespread effects of Candida albicans following antibiotic use. Since that time, over 26,000 articles have been published on candida. That’s enough research to fill every day of the year for the past 61 years, with enough articles left over for another 11 years. A common thread in all of these articles is that the use of antibiotics leads to the development of fungal Candida albicans infections. This in turn can lead to cross-over allergic reactions to gluten and may trigger celiac disease in individuals.

Genetic susceptibility is another factor that can cause celiac disease. Research at Enterolab indicates that as many as 30-40% of all Americans have gluten sensitivity, with the majority of them unaware that they have this condition. Consider also, that the majority of people with systemic fungal candida are unaware of their problem.

In view of the relationship between Hwp-1 and development of gluten sensitivities, it makes sense to see that many times, people who correct their fungal candida issues also correct their gluten sensitivities and other inflammatory intestinal conditions.

To check to see if you have an inherited celiac condition, check Google for a reputable lab like Enterolab.

Related articles of interest:

Is Candida Overgrowth Affecting Your Health?

Candida Treatments and Tests

Gluten: What You Don’t Know Might Kill You

Printer-friendly version