Genetic predisposition to celiac disease in Kazakhstan: Potential impact on the clinical practice in Central Asia

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease (CD) is a systemic immune-mediated disorder developing in HLA genetically predisposed individuals carrying HLA-DQ2 and/or HLA-DQ8 molecules. Recent evidences supported a predominant importance of HLA-DQB1 locus and, in particular, HLA-DQB1*02 alleles. This diagnosis is poorly considered in Kazakhstan, because of the assumption that CD is not prevalent in this population. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that the genetic predisposition to CD in Kazakhstan is not negligible and is actually comparable to Western populations. METHODS: Through the analysis of HLA-DQ genotypes of healthy bone marrow donors from Kazakhstan’s national registry, we estimated the HLA-related genetic predisposition to CD in the country. RESULTS: We demonstrated that the frequency of CD-related HLA-DQB1 alleles and, as a consequence, of predisposed individuals to CD in Kazakhstan is significant and comparable to countries with the highest disease prevalence. CONCLUSION: Considering the dietary style in Kazakhstan, including wheat as a staple food, these results provided a preliminary background of knowledge to expect a significant CD prevalence in Kazakhstan and Central Asia by implementing appropriate and cost-effective diagnostic strategies.