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On Sun, 28 Nov 2004 14:47:52 -0600 Mary Bieker wrote:

Here is my question? It has now been 6 months I have been pondering whether 
to do the testing. I just read an article today that confuses me regarding 
the genetics of CD. the article is at this address:
http://www.celiac.com/st_prod.html?p_prodid=1045
(the celiac.com website). The article was by Scott Adams editor of the 
Scott-Free newsletter. In the article, he states that he carries both 
markers for CD which are DQ2 & DQ8 which means he inherited a gene from 
both parents. His son tested positive for DQ2 and his brother positive for 
DQ2 and DQ8. He states that both will "need to watch out for any future 
signs of the disease for the rest of their lives, and probably get screened 
for it from time to time. On the up side there is still only a small chance 
that either will ever develop the disease, and at least we will know to 
watch for its symptoms in the future, which likely would lead to a quick 
diagnosis and treatment should one of them ever get it."

My Response:

The DQ2 genetic marker is found in over 90% of patients with celiac 
disease, while it is found in 20-30% of the general population. Similarly, 
DQ8 is found a smaller but a significant percentage of the general 
population, but only in 2-10% of patients with celiac disease.  Fewer than 
1% of individuals with DQ2 or DQ8 will develop celiac disease, therefore 
the presence of DQ2 and/or DQ8 alone is not sufficient for a diagnosis of 
celiac disease. Those who believe that everyone with these markers should 
go gluten-free (i.e., that 20-30% of the population should be gluten-free), 
are in the very small minority, especially among doctors and researchers. 
This is also the case for many other genetic markers for other diseases. 
Markers can appear in very large numbers, while the disease only appears in 
a very small minority of those who have those markers. It makes sense for 
those with the markers to be more vigilant, but absent any solid scientific 
evidence that a certain behavior can avoid the disease it does not make 
sense that everyone with DNA markers for a disorder should drastically 
modify their lifestyle.

Take care,
Scott

Scott Adams
Celiac.com
The Celiac Disease & Gluten-Free Diet Support Page
http://www.celiac.com/

The Gluten-Free Mall™
Your Special Diet Superstore!™
http://www.glutenfreemall.com/

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you are experiencing ANY symptoms of unknown origin.  

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