Celiac linked genetically to autoimmune disorder of childhood

 

 

 

 

 

 

Researchers from the University of Manchester, England have published genetic DNA data that confirms a link between Celiac disease and diabetes to an autoimmune disorder in children, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). This is still a new concept to many physicians. In my experience, most Rheumatologists (autoimmune arthritis specialists) are skeptical of a link between Celiac and autoimmune arthritis conditions. Most pediatric endocrinologists and many adult endocrinologists (diabetes specialists) are aware of the link between Celiac and type I (juvenile onset, insulin dependent diabetes) and routinely screen their patients for Celiac disease. 

 

Those of us acquainted with the plight of those with Celiac and gluten sensitivity frequently see the association of gluten and autoimmune disorders. Many of these patients who already have a autoimmune disorder are frustrated, even angry, that gluten sensitivity was not considered before they developed an irreversible autoimmune disorder. Many continue to be frustrated that their physicians give little credence to the role of gluten in their arthritis symptoms.

These researchers further lend credence to the concept that there are genetic associations to Celiac disease and autoimmune disease, in particular autoimmune arthritis. They found several DNA loci that are confirmed as being associated with Celiac disease and type I Diabetes were found linked with JRA. Some of us have raised the question whether those with known Celiac risk genetics, family history of Celiac and/or other autoimmune disease, should consider restricting or eliminating gluten. This is a concept that certainly has little support in the medical establishment thus far but continued discovery of genetic links between Celiac and other autoimmune disorders will further the discussion along within the medical community.

See my website http://www.thefooddoc.com/ and my articles at http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dr._Scot_Lewey for more information.

Copyright 2011 The Food Doc, LLC  http://www.thefooddoc.com/

The Food Doc Journal Resumes-Dr. Lewey's Research Posters Available

As The Food Doc Journal resumes I would like to thank all of the readers of this blog past and present. I apologize that there have not been any recent posts but that is changing. After a significant break in posting due to personal and professional reasons, I have decided to resume posting regularly. The Food Doc Website, www.thefooddoc.com has also been updated and/or revised, though it is still a work in progress. Any of you who have done any online writing, website development etc. surely can relate to the amount of time and effort required to do such work. As a busy physician who sees patients five days a week, father of five children, a new grandfather, I am constantly time challenged. However, the extent of food and digestive related health issues, increasing awareness and also confusion about food allergies and intolerance, IBS, colitis, and two conditions that I have a great deal of interest in Celiac-Gluten Sensitivity and Mastocytic Enterocolitis or Mastocytic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (MIBD), and the requests from patients and those who have followed my online writing,  has led me to decide that to resume posting information to help others struggling with these issues.

To get started I am sharing online two posters I was selected to present at one of our national GI meetings, the American College of Gastroenterologists. These posters summarize my research data collected on 200 patients with Mastocytic Enterocolitis or Mastocytic Inflammatory Bowel Disease and a group of patients with allergic esophagus or Eosinophilic Esophagitis. I also have more information on both conditions at my website www.thefooddoc.com.

Please check the blog and my website soon as I begin to add some very interesting posts on the newest information on food allergy and intolerance, Celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, leaky gut, colitis, mastocytic enterocolitis, IBS, probiotics and allergic or eosinophilic esophagitis. I will also share my clinical experience diagnosing and treating patients with food and gut related health issues on a daily basis. 

Copyright ©2011,  The Food Doc, LLC www.thefooddoc.com