Gene - I Need Help Understanding

[BarbaQ]

My son is in the process of getting the "official diagnosis". We live in Canada and have been waiting for about 5 months to see the gastroenterologist. He is still injesting gluten. In the meantime, we did the genetic test through enterolab and the stool sample. He was positive for gluten and casein sensitivity.

We also did ELISA testing via a lab in Toronto called Hemocode. It tested 270 foods for the delayed type of allergies. The results confirmed those of enterolab and showed he cannot tolerate any of the gluten containing flours, all dairy products, peanuts and citrus fruit.

Here are his gene test results.... Can anyone explain what this means? I have read the intrepretation, but still feel like I need further explanation. Or maybe someone can refer me to where this type is explained further. There is a lot of info on the common genes associated with celiac disease, but not so much on....those results below.

Gluten Sensitivity Gene Test

HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 1 0602

HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 2 0604

Serologic equivalent: HLA-DQ 1,1 (Subtype 6,6)

Interpretation Of HLA-DQ Testing: Although you do not possess the main HLA-DQB1 genes predisposing to celiac sprue (HLA-DQB1*0201 or HLA-DQB1*0302), HLA gene analysis reveals that you have two copies of a gene that predisposes to gluten sensitivity (any DQ1, DQ2 not by HLA-DQB1*0201, or DQ3 not by HLA-DQB1*0302). Having two copies of a gluten sensitive gene means that each of your parents and all of your children (if you have them) will possess at least one copy of the gene. Two copies also means there is an even stronger predisposition to gluten sensitivity than having one gene and the resultant immunologic gluten sensitivity may be more severe.

Thanks

Barb

[Mother of Jibril]

Hi Barb,

98% of celiacs have either DQ2 or DQ8, but there are celiacs with other types. DQ7 and DQ9, for example, have some sequences in common with DQ8.

DQ6 is associated with neurological reactions to gluten (depression, vertigo, ataxia, etc...), plus MS, myasthenia gravis, and juvenile diabetes. Even if your son doesn't have celiac disease, he could still have one or more food intolerances! Gluten and dairy are common culprits. What kind of symptoms is he having?

[BarbaQ]

Hi Barb,

98% of celiacs have either DQ2 or DQ8, but there are celiacs with other types. DQ7 and DQ9, for example, have some sequences in common with DQ8.

DQ6 is associated with neurological reactions to gluten (depression, vertigo, ataxia, etc...), plus MS, myasthenia gravis, and juvenile diabetes. Even if your son doesn't have celiac disease, he could still have one or more food intolerances! Gluten and dairy are common culprits. What kind of symptoms is he having?

The only symptoms my son has are:

-severe eczema around the mouth

-his teeth enamel seems a bit yellow

-he is low on the growth chart

-he wakes frequently during the night (he is 2 yrs old)

-frequently constipation. Sometimes he says "Mommy, stomach hurts"

When you say DQ 6, How can I tell what DQ he is? Is he DQ1? or are you referring to 0602?

Thanks

Barb

[Mother of Jibril]

Those symptoms are very familiar! My son is severely intolerant to casein (and corn... and I assume gluten). He had colic and now he gets terrible eczema on his face. My daughter is also sensitive to gluten... she gets constipated and has had problems with pica (eating chalk, ice, paper, etc...). She didn't sleep through the night until she was about two and a half years old

I know the genetics are a bit confusing. DQ1 is a "serotype," a broad category that includes the DQ5 and DQ6 subtypes (which have a lot in common). The other serotypes are DQ2, DQ3 (which includes DQ7, DQ8 and DQ9) and DQ4 (the only DQ that doesn't put you at risk for gluten intolerance). The fact that your son is a double DQ6 puts him at higher risk for having symptoms.