Hla Celiac Disease (Dqb1*02, 1*03, Dqa1*05;01) in Annai Sathya Nagar, Chennai

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that is associated with gluten consumption. It causes swelling and damage to the small intestine (enteropathy) triggered by the gluten in your staple diet, including wheat, rye, barley, and other similar grains. Gluten is the substance that gives bread and dough a chewy texture.

Being an autoimmune disease, a genetic test for celiac disease helps identify the severity of the condition. It is also easier for the physician to do disease typing based on the antigen present in the body.

The disease involves a reaction to villi or finger-like projections inside the gut. This reduces the nutrition quotient of a gluten-based diet and prevents absorption of other substances. Ultimately, the disease causes malnourishment in the affected person.

The HLA DQ test for celiac disease is a necessary biomarker test since this condition combines genetic and non-genetic factors. Nearly 30% of the population code for HLA class II antigens that involve HLA DQ2 and DQ8 genes. These genes are expressed strongly when a person has celiac disease.

Out of 30% of people coding for the gene, only 1% develop the condition. Hence, a test is essential for people who might be prone to celiac disease due to inherited genes. Here is a list of people who must get a genetic test for celiac disease:

• People with a family history of celiac disease.
• Individuals who observe intestinal inflammation immediately after consuming a gluten-based diet.
• People with digestive symptoms that are not associated with infection and other disorders.

Apollo 24|7 has an all-inclusive celiac disease test that helps detect the presence of HLA DQ genes in the blood.

HLA stands for human leukocyte antigen found in the major histocompatibility complex. The antigens for celiac disease are in the class II region known as HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1. The HLA-DQ molecules are present on the surface of antigen-presenting cells. These are the surface proteins that HLA DQ tests for celiac disease analyses.

The celiac disease test also determines the alleles or proteins present in the patient. The genetic test for celiac disease usually differentiates between DQA1 and DQB1.

Following are the components that determine the severity of the disease:

• HLA-DQ2.5: Nearly 90% of the patients have the disease code for this DQ2 molecule.
• HLA-DQ8: This is not a very significant marker of the disease as only 20% of the patients have this protein. 
• HLA-DQ2.2: It is considered a supportive marker for the disease since it is not present in most patients. This heterodimer is present only in 35% of the patients.
• HLA DQ test for celiac disease not only confirms the condition but also rules out the possibility of the disease.
   

Medically reviewed by Dr. P Siva Charan Reddy, Surgical gastroenterologist, Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.