Answer:
Dear
Randy,
Celiac
disease (CD) susceptibility has been strongly associated with HLA-DQ2
and HLA-DQ8.
A study
in the Department of Immunotechnology and Genomics, Center for Genetic
Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba, found in the group of
celiac patients 86.3% were positive for DQA1*0501.
The study
underlined the primary importance of HLA-DQ alleles in susceptibility
to celiac disease.
The human
leukocyte antigen system (HLA) is the name of the major histocompatibility
complex (MHC) in humans. The super locus contains a large number of
genes related to immune system function in humans.
In recent
years, serum antibodies to gliadin (AGA) have been reported to be
useful markers of celiac disease.
A research
of V Hakeem, R Fifield, H F al-Bayaty, M J Aldred, D M Walker, J Williams,
and H R Jenkins, has shown that high concentrations of Antigliadin
IgA (average of 45 Optical Density Unit) were present in non treated
celiac patients and treated patients showed an average of 4 Optical
Density Unit.
Antibodies for gliadin (AGA), the toxic fraction of gluten are considered
very sensitive but not specific for Celiac disease.
The few doctors who appreciate the spectrum of gluten intolerance
or sensitivity are outnumbered by the medical majority that continue
to insist on strict criteria for diagnosis for Celiac disease before
recommending a gluten-free diet.
