Gliadin-IgG Antibodies De-amidated (DGP) Serum Test

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy induced by dietary gluten. 
When a genetically predisposed individual consumes food containing gluten like  wheat, barley, rye, and other grains ,inflammation and damage of the small bowel mucosa occurs which leads to malabsorption , loss of bone density, miscarriage, infertility or even neurological diseases or certain cancers. Gliadin IGG test is a non invasive , quantitative determination of IgA antibodies against deamidated gliadin protein epitopes (DGP) in human serum or plasma.

Overview

Gliadins are proteins present in gluten-containing cereals like wheat, barley, rye, and other grains. IgA and IgG antibodies against gliadins are found in the sera of patients with celiac disease (CD). On reaching the small intestine, transglutaminase deaminates gliadins. This increases the binding of gliadins to MHC class II molecules. Gliadins get attached to these antibodies and damage the small bowel mucosa by triggering inflammation.

What is the DGP Serum Test?

The DGP serum test is a non-invasive, quantitative test that detects de-amidated IgG gliadin antibodies in the sera of untreated CD patients. These antibodies are nonspecific for celiac disease. They are also found in other gastrointestinal diseases. However, IgG gliadin antibodies are preferred in children less than 2 years, in people with IgA deficiencies, and in cases of equivocal tTG IgA results.

Written by: Dr Mukilarasi K R, M.D Pathology