Genetic Analysis

[hose1975]

So there I was, casually looking for one specific genetic mutation when I found out that I have the SNP that tags HLA-DQ2.5 (one of the main coeliac genetic mutations), plus 34 others associated with coeliac.

Put simply: I have a truckload of coeliac genetic markers.

This then begs the question: as I have tested positive for the aforementioned HLA-DQ2.5 (which is carried by 20-30% of the population) AND 34 others associated with coeliac, and as adopting a gluten-free diet has sorted out what was thought to be IBS and my whole-body intense itching, and as I start to itch intensely again within hours of ingesting anything with even a tiny amount of wheat in it, and as I already have one autoimmune disease...

What are the chances that I do actually have coeliac disease? I've never tested positive in the blood tests but then pre-gf I didn't exactly hammer the gluten-containing foods anyway. My GP thinks this is interesting but is putting her money on a wheat allergy. I will be trying some pumpernickel this evening to test for a reaction to rye.

I know you're not doctors but I would like to know what you think.

Cheers

Jo

[RodeoJoe]

Who knows? Give up gluten if it makes you feel better. I'm surprised you got genetic testing done for a suspected wheat allergy.

It's my view in the nature vs nurture debate that genetic markers don't predispose the disease. It marks that it could be triggered. And yes they do seem to come in bunches. I have coeliac disease, and had/have liver disease which is suspected to also be genetic auto-immune. I ended up having a liver transplant. Apparently there's no evidence why but its fact that proportionally more coeliacs than non have liver disease.

Chasing the genetic holy grail, found that there do appear to be markers for diseases, but these are not deterministic.

[hose1975 in reply to RodeoJoe]

No, I didn't get the genetic testing done for the wheat allergy. I didn't even know I had it until I stopped eating gluten. I was looking for the MTHFR mutation.

[RodeoJoe in reply to hose1975]

Yeah, I thought that sounded strange. The point I was making is that genetics is good at telling us a lot about what diseases might be triggered or what definitely won't. But environment does eventually make the difference in most cases.

I guess if the genetic markers are there there's a possibility it will develop, but not necessarily. That's all that can be said.