HLA-DQ markers, positive celiac antibodies, and IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a diagnostic no man’s land. Most receive the diagnosis only after most traditional lab and imaging tests fail to show any pertinent findings. In the referenced study below, 21 of 22 patients were diagnosed with IBS. All of these patients had positive anti-bodies to gliadin (gluten found in wheat). The authors of the study go on to recommend that patients with positive blood tests for celiac disease and negative biopsy results be screened genetically for celiac markers on the HLA-DQ genes.

Source:

J Gastrointestin Liv Dis 2006. 15;3:221-25.

Gluten Free Society’s Stance:

This is another good example of a study linking IBS with gluten intolerance. It should be pointed out that the authors of this study recommend HLA-DQ genotyping to look for DQ2 and DQ8 markers. This is excellent advice, however; it leaves out the importance of also looking for DQ1 and DQ3 markers. These markers have also been associated with gluten sensitivity. Therefore, full genetic testing for all markers involved is recommended. Very few labs perform the full testing. As an ongoing service to help those identify gluten intolerance, Gluten Free Society offers the ability to have these gene markers identified.

HLA-DQ Testing available here...

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