Lack of correlation between genotype and phenotype in celiac disease

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1998 Mar;26(3):286-90. doi: 10.1097/00005176-199803000-00009.

Abstract

Background: Celiac disease has a wide range of clinical features. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether specific HLA genotypes are associated with particular clinical appearances.

Methods: One hundred forty-five patients with confirmed celiac disease were oligotyped for DR and DQ HLA genes. Clinical notes, physical examination, and a questionnaire provided their personal data. Patients were grouped into nine genotypic categories, according to the presence of the specific DQ heterodimer DQA1*0501-DQB1*0201 (hence termed alpha0beta0), in single or double dose, and the presence of the DRB4 antigen.

Results: Age at first symptoms and age at beginning of gluten-free diet were not significantly different in the nine groups. The initial symptoms of the disease had a similar distribution in all groups. In twenty-seven patients, disease was diagnosed by family screening: they shared a similar HLA genotype with those who had relevant symptoms. The actual growth status-evaluated by standardized height, percentage of median weight for age, and percentage of median weight for height--was not different in the nine groups. Presence of unusual health complaints was not associated with a specific genotype.

Conclusions: There is no evidence that clinical features of celiac disease are associated with different HLA genotypes. Genes outside the HLA may play a relevant role.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Body Height
  • Body Weight
  • Celiac Disease / diagnosis*
  • Celiac Disease / genetics*
  • Celiac Disease / physiopathology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dimerization
  • Female
  • Gene Dosage
  • Genotype*
  • Growth
  • HLA-DQ Antigens / genetics*
  • HLA-DQ alpha-Chains
  • HLA-DQ beta-Chains
  • HLA-DR Antigens / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Phenotype*

Substances

  • HLA-DQ Antigens
  • HLA-DQ alpha-Chains
  • HLA-DQ beta-Chains
  • HLA-DQA1 antigen
  • HLA-DQB1 antigen
  • HLA-DR Antigens