What is the purpose of this test?
The CICA: Celiac, IBS, and Crohn's Full Array Add-On - ALCAT Test Kit includes genetic, serologic, and antibody biomarkers to help diagnose celiac and Crohn's disease. For celiac disease, more than 95% of patients possess the HLA-DQ2.5 and/or HLA-DQ8 genotype, and absent these markers, the likelihood of developing celiac disease is minimal. Crohn's disease is caused by a dysregulation of the immune response to intestinal flora and is accompanied by a defect of the epithelial barrier. The predominant genetic markers for Crohn's disease are NOD2/CARD15, which is associated with the innate immune system and the activation of nuclear factor кB (NF—кB), and a mutation in the ATG16L1 gene, which increases susceptibility to degradation by Caspase 3 and is associated with autophagy.
The CICA: Celiac, IBS, and Crohn's Full Array Add-On - ALCAT Test Kit includes the following:
Genetic Biomarkers:
- HLA-DQ2.5 & HLA-DQ8 - HLA-DQ2.5 and HLA-DQ8 are proteins that are found on the surface of cells in the body. They play a critical role in the immune system by helping to identify and destroy foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. These proteins are also linked to certain autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease.
- NOD2/CARD15 - NOD2/CARD15 is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein that plays a role in the immune system. It helps to recognize and respond to harmful bacteria and viruses in the body. Mutations in this gene have been linked to an increased risk of developing certain inflammatory diseases, such as Crohn's disease.
- T300A/ATG16L1 gene - The T300A/ATG16L1 gene is a genetic marker that increases susceptibility to degradation by Caspase 3 and is associated with autophagy. It has been linked to an increased risk of developing certain inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease.
Serologic & Antibody Biomarkers:
- Tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTG) – IgA & IgG - In active celiac disease, damaged enterocytes produce tTG; therefore, antibodies against tTG (IgA and/or IgG) are indicative of an active disease process. In patients with normal total IgA levels and negative tTG antibodies, the diagnosis of active celiac disease is unlikely. However, a certain percentage of patients with celiac disease may be seronegative. If tTG IgA is negative, while celiac disease is suspected, then additional markers included in this panel become more relevant in the diagnosis of gluten-related disorders.
- Deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) antibody - IgA & IgG - Deamidated gliadin can bind with tTG and become immunogenic. Therefore, detecting the presence of elevated IgA and/or IgG antibodies against DGP is an additional indicator of an active celiac disease process.
- Anti-Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Antibody (ASCA) - IgA & IgG - ASCA is an indicator for the presence of Crohn's disease. The presence of ASCA may also reflect increased intestinal inflammation and permeability, including that associated with active celiac disease.
- Total Serum IgA - It is common for celiac disease patients to be IgA deficient. It is the most common immunologic deficiency (1:400-1:700 in the general population and 1:50 in celiac disease patients) and may be the single largest contributor to false negative results in biopsy confirmed celiac disease patients. Total Serum IgA is used as a measurement to qualify IgA testing for tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and deaminated gliadin peptide (DGP) antibody levels. When IgA levels are low or deficient, it is important to check IgG levels for both tTG and DGP (included in this array).
Who would benefit from this CICA: Celiac, IBS, and Crohn's Full Array Add-On - ALCAT Test Kit?
- Those with gastrointestinal symptoms and autoimmune disorders that might suggest a problem with gluten
- Those with increased intestinal permeability, which has been linked to autoimmune disorders and other conditions
- Those suspected to have Crohn's or celiac disease
- Those suffering from symptoms of IBS, including diarrhea, bloating, or cramping
- Those with chronic fatigue
- Those with malabsorption of nutrients or iron deficiency
