Minimal Gluten Exposure Alters Urinary Volatile Organic Compounds in Stable Coeliac Disease

Abstract

Coeliac disease (CD) patients are distinguishable from healthy individuals via urinary volatile organic compounds (VOCs) analysis. We exposed 20 stable CD patients on gluten-free diet (GFDs) to a 14-day, 3 g/day gluten challenge (GCh), and assessed urinary VOC changes. A control cohort of 20 patients continued on GFD. Urine samples from Days 0, 7, 14, 28 and 56 were analysed using Lonestar FAIMS and Markes Gas Chromatography–Time of Flight–Mass Spectrometer (GC-TOF-MS). VOC signatures on D (day) 7–56 were compared with D0. Statistical analysis was performed using R. In GCh patients, FAIMS revealed significant VOC differences for all time points compared to D0. GC-TOF-MS revealed significant changes at D7 and D14 only. In control samples, FAIMS revealed significant differences at D7 only. GC-TOF-MS detected no significant differences. Chemical analysis via GC-MS-TOF revealed 12 chemicals with significantly altered intensities at D7 vs. D0 for GCh patients. The alterations persisted for six chemicals at D14 and one (N-methyltaurine) remained altered after D14. This low-dose, short-duration challenge was well tolerated. FAIMS and GC-TOF-MS detected VOC signature changes in CD patients when undergoing a minimal GCh. These findings suggest urinary VOCs could have a role in monitoring dietary compliance in CD patients.