HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 celiac test (CD) is an autoimmune disorder triggered by eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. This disorder causes gastrointestinal symptoms and damage to the small intestines. The HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 celiac test helps determine if someone has genetic susceptibility to the disease.
Genetic testing for CD is important because it can help diagnose people with the disease and identify family members who may develop the disorder in the future. Genetic susceptibility is a major contributor to the heritability of CD. The HLA-DQ2 and -DQ8 tests are the most common genetic tests for CD available in commercial labs.
Understanding the HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 Celiac Gene Test
The HLA-DQ2 and –DQ8 celiac test is a gene typing test that detects the presence of the HLA-DQA1*05:01 and -DQB1*02:02 alleles. A person with one or both of these alleles is predisposed to developing CD, according to MyCeliacID. This gene is present in about 30% of people with CD, but it does not cause the disease itself. A person with the DQ2 allele has about 10 times the normal risk of developing CD and about 14 times the risk of having a more severe form of the disease.
This gene is also associated with other autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes, thyroiditis and Sjogren syndrome. It is also more prevalent in people with chromosomal disorders such as Turner syndrome, Down syndrome and Williams syndrome. It is also more common in people who are taking medication such as insulin or glucocorticoids.
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