The Effect of a Gluten Free Diet on the Permeability of the Blood Brain Barrier in Patients With CIS

Disruption of the blood brain barrier (BBB) is associated with inflammatory conditions of the central nervous system (CNS). This clinical trial aims to investigate whether following a gluten-free diet (GFD) for six months can contribute to normalizing BBB permeability in patients with newly diagnosed clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Furthermore, the study seeks to identify possible effects of a GFD on markers of systemic as well as CNS inflammation. Lastly, gut permeability is measured in order to examine whether there are any correlations between the permeability of the gut and the BBB as well as the inflammatory state in the intestine and CNS. From a patient's view, potential positive effects of a GFD will be manifested through an alleviation of symptoms, improved quality of life and reduced risk of CIS progressing to MS. Evaluating a possible role of gluten in MS pathogenesis can contribute to directing future research and optimizing treatment protocols.