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UNIVERSITY RESEARCHERS SEEK FAMILIES WITH
CELIAC DISEASE/DERMATITIS HERPETIFORMIS HISTORY

Families that have had two or more relatives diagnosed with Celiac Disease
or Dermatitis Herpetiformis are being sought for a study to identify factors
associated with the development of celiac disease.  The goal of the study is
to find genes that may predispose individuals and their relatives to develop
the condition.  The study has been funded for the last six years by a grant
from the National Institutes of Health.

Discovery of a gene for Celiac Disease could eventually lead to better
diagnosis, treatment, and possibly even prevention of celiac disease.
Ultimately, the research could result in development of preventive
strategies and therapies for individuals who are at high risk for the
condition.  It is estimated that 1 in 200 people in the United States suffer
from Celiac Disease.

The study will accept families where at least two individuals in the same
family, with the exception of simple parent-child pairs, have been diagnosed
with celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis.  Study participants will be
asked to provide some family medical history and a small blood sample for
genetic analysis.  Participants will also receive a free Endomysial Antibody
test for screening for Celiac Disease.

For further information, please contact Linda Steele, Research Manager,
University of California, Irvine at (949) 824-5603 or toll-free at (866)
356-9962, or e-mail [log in to unmask]
University of California, Irvine, Department of Medicine, Division of
Epidemiology, fax:  949-824-4773,   This e-mail/fax message, including any
attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may
contain confidential and privileged information.  Any unauthorized review,
use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited.  If you are not the intended
recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail/fax and destroy all
copies of the original message.

* Visit the Celiac Web Page at www.enabling.org/ia/celiac/index.html *