HLA genes associated with casein sensitivity

[Rosie]

Just by accident I came across a very interesting recent scientific article on casein sensitivity. The authors were looking for genetic correlations of casein sensitivity and were comparing HLA genes of children sensitive to casein with those who were not. They found that 2 genes, HLA DQB1 0602 and HLA DQB1 0501 were strongly associated with casein sensitivity. 0602 was more strongly associated than 0501. Of course we recognize these as also being non-celiac gluten sensitivity genes. So this may help explain why so many of us are sensitive to both gluten and casein!

I wonder how the presence of these genes correlate with casein sensitivity in our group?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20016199

Tex, the nomeclature of the HLA genes is very confusing, so check and see if I've interpreted this correctly........

Rosie

[tex]

Hmmmmm. I think you've interpreted it correctly.

Three members have both of those genes - Polly, Gloria, and Camryn. All three are very casein-sensitive.

I have the 501 gene, but my other gene is the main celiac gene. I don't seem to be casein-sensitive.

Doing a quick scan of the gene and food sensitivity testing results, though, it appears that about three-fourths of those with the 501 gene are casein-sensitive, (not counting those who have both the 501 and the 602 genes, because everyone with both genes showed a positive casein-sensitivity result).

As far as the 602 gene is concerned, everyone who has it, (except for only one), is casein-sensitive, (IOW, 6 out of 7 are casein-sensitive, (again, not counting those who have both the 501 and the 602 genes).

If you include those who have both genes in the 602 count, then 9 out of 10 with the 602 gene are casein-sensitive. That's a mighty strong correlation.

Thanks for the information. Here's your gold star.

Tex

[Gloria]

Very interesting. Thank you for posting this, Rosie and for backing up the conclusion with the board's data.

So Polly and I are not only predisposed to intolerances because we are double DQ1s, but also predisposed to casien sensitivity because we are double DQ1 (5,6). My casein score was my highest, at 130 units.

This news comes on a day that I've realized that I will probably be on Entocort the rest of my life.

Gloria

[harma]

very interesting Rosie, thanks for posting it here.

[Polly]

Fascinating, Rosie! Great find!

Yep, casein is my most immediate and severe sensitivity - I've always said I get battery-acid D within 2 hours of ingesting even the smallest amount of casein.

Would you also note this in the section in "Polls" where we list our gene studies? Thanks.

Love,

Polly

[mbeezie]

Interesting. I share the same gene pattern as Polly and Gloria. I would say I am mildly sensitive to casein - it is certainly not my worst reaction. My enterolab result was 10, (he states on results that > 10 is a postive result). I strictly avoided for a year but tried dairy on 4 occasions in the last few months. It seems to give me a headache more than GI issues, so I am avoiding it again.

Mary Beth

[tex]

Mary Beth,

I believe you have the 604 gene, (not 602). (Or did I copy it wrong?) You do have the 501 gene, of course.

In Gloria's case, I had to guess, since it was listed as 6XX, but with her severe sensitivity issues, I figured that was a pretty safe bet.

Tex

[Rosie]

From the small number of results here, it looks like the 602 gene is associated with more severe casein reactivity than the 501 gene, just like was reported in the scientific paper.

I haven't done the gene testing from Enterolab, but dairy was my initial problem and I was dairy free 4 years before i developed additional problems, was diagnosed with MC and went gluten and soy free as well, based on the Enterolab testing. I'm very ciurious now about my genetic background and may go ahead with the gene test......"Inquiring minds want to know......."

Rosie

[Rosie]

I was just re-reading the scientific article, and and I'm getting a bit confused. Obviously English isn't the first language, and there are some inconsistencies.

RESULTS: In children with CMA, the HLA (DR15)-DQB1*0602 haplotype was associated with high levels of beta-lactoglobulin-specific total IgG (p < 0.001) and IgG4 (p < 0.001) and alpha-casein-specific total IgG (p = 0.003) and IgG4 (p = 0.002), but not among control subjects. (DR1/10)-DQB1*0501 was associated with lower levels of beta-lactoglobulin-specific total IgG (p < 0.001) and IgG4 (p < 0.001), ovalbumin-specific total IgG (p = 0.002) and IgG4 (p < 0.001), particularly in control subjects (p < 0.001).

In red, does the "lower levels" refer to lower levels compared to what was seen with 0602, or lower levels in controls? Compared to what??

I would have to pay $30 to get the whole article, and I'm tempted.

Rosie

[tex]

I noticed that when I read the article, and I decided that they meant lower levels than were seen due to the 0602 gene, (especially since they included this phrase):

particularly in control subjects

Tex