Risk variation in celiac disease in a population from Southern Spain: evaluating the influence of the DQB1*02:02 allele frequency

AbstractObjectives: To date, the greatest genetic risk factor known for celiac disease (CD) is the presence of HLA-DQ2 heterodimers, specifically DQ2.5 in state of homozygosis or heterozygosis. DQ2.2 variants are the second most important risk factor when carried trans to DQ2. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk genotypes of HLA-DR-DQ.Material and methods: A total of 196 patients with CD and 206 healthy controls from the Province of Malaga (southern Spain) were included. The corresponding risk gradient in our population was established in accordance with the odds ratios (ORs) found.Results: The heterozygous genotype for DR7-DQ2.2/DR3-DQ2.5 presented the highest risk (OR =6.404, p = .0001) followed by the DR3-DQ2.5 homozygous genotype (OR =4.721, p = .001). An intermediate risk was found for the DQ2.5 heterozygous genotype with no other DQ risk variant (DQ8 or DQ2.2). Similarly, these three genotypes had also an increase in the risk of associated-autoimmune diseases. The DQB1*02:01 allele...