Potential Celiac Patients: A Model of Celiac Disease Pathogenesis
2011

Genetic Features of Potential Celiac Disease Patients

Sample size: 127 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sperandeo Maria Pia, Tosco Antonella, Izzo Valentina, Tucci Francesca, Troncone Riccardo, Auricchio Renata, Romanos Jihane, Trynka Gosia, Auricchio Salvatore, Jabri Bana, Greco Luigi

Primary Institution: European Laboratory for Food Induced Disease, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy

Hypothesis

The study aims to explore the genetic features of individuals with potential celiac disease who have positive anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies but no mucosal lesions.

Conclusion

Potential celiac disease patients show genetic features that are slightly different from those of full celiac patients, indicating a unique biological model for understanding the disease.

Supporting Evidence

  • Potential celiac patients have a lighter HLA-related risk compared to full celiac patients.
  • Most polymorphisms of celiacs are shared with potential celiacs, but the frequency of the c-REL* G allele differs.
  • IL-21 expression is completely suppressed in potential celiac patients compared to celiacs and controls.

Takeaway

Some kids have signs of celiac disease but their intestines look normal. This study looks at their genes to understand why they don't get sick like others.

Methodology

127 potential celiac patients were genotyped for 13 polymorphisms and compared to controls and celiac patients; expression studies were conducted on 60 biopsy specimens.

Potential Biases

Potential selection bias due to the inclusion of patients with only partial HLA risk.

Limitations

The study has a relatively short follow-up time and cannot predict the long-term outcomes for potential celiac patients.

Participant Demographics

127 children (76 females, median age 6 years and 6 months, range 18 months–16 years).

Statistical Information

P-Value

1×10−8

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0021281

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