Lab/Biopsy Results

[Courtney]

Well, I'm just full of questions tonight. I've been reading a lot of posts and seeing that there seems to be some relationship between genes and reactions to particular foods. If anyone can help me interpret my results, or direct me somewhere where I might find answers, I'd appreciate it.

First, the genes:
DQ Genotype: DQ2 heterozygous
Alleles Detected: DQ2 heterodimer (HLA DQA1*05/DQB1*02). I have absolutely no idea how to read what's in the ().

Now, the biopsy results:
Lymphocytic colitis in ascending, transverse, and sigmoid colon. (I get that). Both the transverse colon and sigmoid colon biopsies show a minimal subepithelial deposition of collagen. (I don't get that). Hoping it doesn't mean I have CC, too, but it's always best to know.

Thanks for your help.

Courtney

[tex]

I'm not familiar with that format, but I think that your gene test results translates to:

HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 1 0501
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 1 0201
Serologic equivalent: HLA-DQ 1,2 (Subtype 5,2).

The first allele predisposes to gluten sensitivity, and the second is the most common celiac gene. This matches my own gene test results, FWIW.

Both the transverse colon and sigmoid colon biopsies show a minimal subepithelial deposition of collagen. (I don't get that).

I don't get that either, because there is always a subepithelial layer of collagen in the colon. Probably, he is trying to say that there is additional deposition of collagen, (though it is a minimal amount). That would make sense, anyway. That would make the call sort of a tossup, since CC is defined by thickened collagen bands. The key would be whether or not the thickening was sufficient to meet the specs for CC, (which is sort of arbitrary). IOW, I don't believe that there is a specific requirement, as far as thickness is concerned. A minimal amount might not make the grade. It's mostly a judgment call, by the pathologist.

Since he was able to distinguish collagen thickening, (even thought slight), I would interpret that to mean that you do have the markers of CC. Whether of not you have CC is sort of irrelevant, though, since some patients tend to segue from one form to the other, and back, and this almost surely also depends on the exact locations where the biopsies were taken. The symptoms are the same, and the treatment is the same, however, for both LC and CC, so the distinction is mostly a matter of semantics. Actually, when both markers are present, (as in your case), it usually is simply called MC, and that is what I would label it.

Tex

[Courtney]

Ah, I see. Thanks for your input, Tex. I'll see if I can get my doctor to explain the results to me in more detail when I see him at the end of this month, especially regarding how much collagen he saw and what the format their lab uses means.

In the meantime, it's helpful to know that CC and LC have the same treatment and symptoms, so there's nothing different I need to do for each. Thank God for small favors. Do you know of any resources that explain the genetic component of this in layman's terms?

Thanks again,
Courtney

[tex]

Dr. Scot Lewey, (the food doc), offers the best down-to-earth explanation of the genetics involved with gluten sensitivity, that I've found anywhere. You can read his explaination here:

http://www.celiac.com/articles/1046/1/U ... Page1.html

Many/most of the gene analysis studies related to MC and celiac sprue, have been done by Dr. Fine, but his work is also mentioned in Dr. Lewey's article. Incidentally, Dr. Lewey's blog is an excellent source for cutting edge thinking on food sensitivities in general.

You're most welcome,
Tex