Comparison of the in vitro toxicity of ancient Triticum monococcum varieties ID331 and Monlis

Triticum monococcum L. is one of the oldest ancestors of wheat. There is some evidence that einkorn encloses forms of gliadin-deriving peptides which may potentially exert a reduced toxicity to consumers with gluten-related disorders. Accordingly, ID331 and Monlis lines were comparatively investigated in this study. The biological effects of gastro-resistant peptides deriving from an in vitro simulated digestion were evaluated on 21 d differentiated Caco-2 cells. Triticum aestivum digested gliadin was included as the positive control. ID331 neither enhanced cell permeability nor induced zonulin release in Caco-2 monolayers. Monlis exerted a detectable toxicity as confirmed by the reorganisation of enterocyte cytoskeleton, in addition to changes both in monolayers permeability and apical release of zonulin. Differences in patterns of gastro- resistant prolamins may account for the differences. Outcomes support the use of ID331 as a prospective candidate for the development of innovative approaches to reduce wheat flour toxicity.