HLA system. Phenotypic and gene frequencies in celiac and healthy subjects from the same geographical area.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the phenotypic and gene frequencies of the HLA system in celiac and healthy subjects the same geographical area.


METHODS
HLA A, B, C, DR and DQ phenotypic and gene frequencies have been estimated in 38 celiac children and healthy subjects. The HLA typing has been done according to the microlymphocytotoxicity assay. The individual HLA antigen frequencies in each group have been compared by Chi-square test using Yates correction. For each specificity, the strength of association with celiac disease has been estimated by Odds Ratio and 95% confidence limit.


RESULTS
The comparative study of both population show increased phenotypic and gene frequencies among celiac patients and significant differences compared with healthy subjects for B8, Cw7, DR3, DR7 and DQ2. On the contrary, Cw4 and DQ1 phenotypic and gene frequencies are significantly increased in the control population.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings support the role of HLA antigens as predisposing factors for celiac disease. The presence of Cw4 and DQ1 can be a protective factor against such disease.
Ruiz del Prado
M Y
MY
Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Lozano Blesa, University of Zaragoza Medical School, Zaragoza, Spain.
Olivares López
J L
JL
Lázaro Almarza
A
A
Lasierra Díaz
M P
MP
D000293:Adolescent; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010641:Phenotype; D013030:Spain
D006680:HLA Antigens