‘Juvenile cou’ is presided over by: DNB 08
**Core Concept:** Juvenile celiac disease (also known as celiac disease in children) is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It leads to inflammation in the small intestine and malabsorption of nutrients, causing various clinical manifestations. The DQ2 and DQ8 HLA-DQ heterodimers are associated with celiac disease and play a crucial role in the immune response against gluten.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Juvenile celiac disease (JCD) is primarily associated with the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 molecules, which are major histocompatibility complex class II molecules involved in the immune response. In the context of celiac disease, these molecules help to present gluten peptides to T cells, leading to their activation and release of cytokines that result in the inflammation and damage of the small intestine's mucosal lining.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. HLA-DQ1: This HLA-DQ molecule is not associated with celiac disease; it is involved in other autoimmune disorders but not specifically with JCD.
B. HLA-DQ9: This HLA-DQ molecule is not specifically linked to celiac disease, especially in the pediatric population.
C. HLA-DQ2: While HLA-DQ2 is a risk factor for celiac disease, it is less specific than HLA-DQ8 in pediatric patients.
D. HLA-DQ8: This HLA-DQ molecule is the most commonly associated with celiac disease in pediatric patients, making it the correct answer.
**Clinical Pearl:** In pediatric patients, the presence of HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 haplotypes increases the probability of celiac disease diagnosis, while DQ2 is more common than DQ8 in adults. A thorough clinical history, physical examination, and appropriate investigations are essential for diagnosing celiac disease.
**Correct Answer:** HLA-DQ8