Examining HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 in Lipedema Patients and the Potential Benefits of a Gluten-Free Diet

Celiac.com 07/31/2023 - In a recent study, researchers investigated rates of HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 in women diagnosed with lipedema, a condition characterized by abnormal fat accumulation. 

The research team included Alexandre C. Amato, Lorena L. Amato, Daniel Benitti, and Juliana L. Amato. They are variously affiliated with the department of Vascular Surgery, Instituto de Medicina Avançada, Sao Paulo, BRA; the department of Endocrinology, Instituto de Medicina Avançada, São Paulo, BRA; the Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Medical Valens Center, São Paulo, BRA; and the Gynecology department, Instituto de Medicina Avançada, São Paulo, BRA.

Women Diagnosed with Lipedema & HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 Rates

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For their study, they analyzed the leukocyte histocompatibility antigen (HLA) tests of 95 women diagnosed with lipedema, using non-probabilistic sampling for convenience. They then compared rates of HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 to the general population.

Study Results:  Significantly Higher Rates of HLA-DQ2, HLA-DQ8 in Lipedema Patients

The results showed that nearly 50% of lipedema patients had HLA-DQ2, while more than one-in-five had HLA-DQ8. Additionally, 61.1% of patients had either HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 associated with celiac disease, and 7.4% had both HLAs. In contrast, nearly 40% of patients had no HLA associated with celiac disease.

Comparing the lipedema patients to the general population, the study found significantly higher rates of HLA-DQ2, HLA-DQ8, and any HLA-associated celiac disease. Moreover, patients with HLA-DQ2+ had lower average weight than the overall study population, and their BMI significantly differed from the overall mean BMI.

The findings suggest that lipedema patients seeking medical help are more likely to have HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8. Given the role of gluten in inflammation, this information could be an important step in exploring alternative approaches for managing lipedema, and improving the quality of life for those affected by this condition. 

The researchers recommend further investigation to understand if eliminating gluten from the diet could potentially improve the management of lipedema symptoms. 

Read more at cureus.com.