Celiac Markers

Posted by marcief @marcief, Jul 26 3:56pm

I had a blood draw done to test for Celiac disease. The result is this: “Permissive genes present, although serology is negative. Celiac disease unlikely. However, approximately 10% of patients with celiac disease are seronegative. Also, patients who are adhering to a gluten-free diet may be seronegative.”

Is anyone able to further expound on this? TIA for responses!

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cmmichaela | @cmmichaela | Jul 28 9:26am

"Permissive genes present" refers to the genetic type that all people with Celiac share (at least as close to "all" as possible in the scientific world as nothing is completely 100%). These genetic markers (HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8) however, are not very reliable in determining if a person will actually develop Celiac disease because roughly 40% of the worlds population carry these markers and only 1% of them will actually ever develop Celiac. So although it is possible for someone with these genetic markers to develop Celiac at some point in their life, it is not necessarily likely. Things such as viruses or being under high stress physically or emotionally certainly can wreak havoc on an immune system and throw someone into developing an autoimmune condition such as Celiac, but again, just because you have the genetic markers does not necessarily mean you will actually develop Celiac.

In terms of the Celiac serology, yes, it can be inconclusive and an endoscopy and biopsy (to look for villi blunting etc) is the only way to have a true diagnosis. The GI specialists that my daughter and I have seen both recommended the following labs be run as any "off" lab, even if not very striking, could warrant an endoscopy for further evaluation. So, be sure you have had the following run if you are still feeling that you may be gluten sensitive. You are correct in saying that you need to stay on a gluten containing diet (equivalent to a slice of bread for at least three months) before you have your blood work, otherwise your potentially otherwise high levels will drop and normalize.

Here's the Celiac Serology:
1. Endomysial IgA antibody
2. Antigliadin Antibody IgG
3. Antigliadin Antibody IgA
4. Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody
5. Immunoglobulin A level

I hope this helps!