Antigliadin antibodies in Cuban patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the significance of antigliadin antibodies (AGA) levels for spinocerebellar ataxia type 2. METHODS: We determined AGA levels in 64 patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 and in 65 healthy matched controls. The clinical assessment was carried out using the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale and CAG repeat number was assessed by PCR. RESULTS: Antibodies were positive in 23.4% of the ataxia patients and 9.09% of the controls. Statistical comparison using chi2 test with Yates's correction reveals significant differences between these two groups (chi2 = 3.94; p = 0.047). The same was obtained for strongly positive AGA (chi2 = 4.62; p = 0.032). There were no significant differences between AGA positive and AGA negative patients in age at onset, disease duration, ataxia score or CAG repeat number, neither in the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms, prevalence of wheat intolerance or body weight. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate an association between antigliadin antibodies serum levels and SCA2. However, more work has to be done to clarify the clinical consequences of such an association.