Newswise — Three years ago, a group of Dutch researchers led by Frits Koning published a study in the American Journal of Physiology on an enzyme that appeared capable of providing an effective treatment for celiac disease.

This study, published by The American Physiological Society (www.the-aps.org/press), showed that prolyl endoprotease (PEP), might break down gluten in the stomach before it ever reached the small intestine, where it causes damage. (One study estimated that 1 in 133 people in the U.S. have celiac disease, an uncontrolled immune response to wheat gluten and similar proteins of rye and barley.)

In Episode 20 of Life Lines, Dr. Koning updates us on his research on PEP, which is now being tested clinically. Please listen to this episode by clicking here or by going to www.lifelines.tv and clicking on Episode 20: Celiac Disease. The interview begins at 02:45.

To read the American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology study on PEP, please click here.

For more information, please contact Christine Guilfoy at [email protected] or at 301.634.7253.

***Physiology is the study of how molecules, cells, tissues and organs function to create health or disease. The American Physiological Society (APS) has been an integral part of this scientific discovery process since it was established in 1887.