3. Metabolism Flashcards
What is galactosaemia?
An autosomal recessive condition that means galactose can’t be normally metabolised.
What is classic galactosaemia?
Galactokinase deficiency means there is no conversion of galactose to galactose 1-P so galactose builds up and is excreted in urine or is converted to aldose reductose and depletes NADPH.
How can classic galactosaemia lead to cataracts formation?
The galactose isn’t metabolised so is converted to aldose reductose, which depletes NADPH levels. This means free SH aren’t maintained and disulphide bridges form, leading to cataracts.
What is non-classic galactosaemia?
Galactose-1-P uridyl transferase deficiency leads to a build up of galactose-1-P.
How can non-classic galactosaemia lead to death?
It leads to a build up of galactose-1-P which is hepatotoxic and can lead to death.
How is galctosaemia managed?
Diet avoid lactose and galactose.
What is glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase deficiency?
An X linked recessive condition that causes haemolytic anaemia.
What pathway is G6PD an important enzyme for?
Pentose phosphate pathway.
How does G6PD deficiency lead to haemolytic anaemia?
G6PD is the main enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway, which is a main source of NADH so there is a deficiency of NADH. This means Heinz bodies form and there is haemolytic anaemia.
What drug should be avoided with a G6PD deficiency and why?
Primaquine, it makes reactive oxygen species and worsen symptoms.
What is marasmus?
Total energy malnutrition so the body has broken down fat and muscle.
What is the presentation of marasmus?
Emaciated appearance, diarrhoea, anaemia, thin and dry hair.
What is Kwashiorkor?
Adequate energy intake, but no protein, and no LDLs.
How does Kwashiorkor cause fatty liver?
No LDLs so fatty liver.
What is the presentation of Kwashiorkor?
Fatty liver, oedema from low albumin, apathetic,, lethargic, ascites.
How is Kwashiorkor treated?
Give protein being aware of refeeding syndrome.
What is lactose intolerance?
Not enough/defective lactase enzyme leads to lactose not being metabolised.
What is the sequelae of lactose intolerance?
Lactose isn’t broken down so persists to the large intestines and causes flatulence, diarrhoea, and cramps.
What is lactate dehydrogenase deficiency?
Lack of lactate dehydrogenase which means lactose isn’t converted to pyruvate.
What is the consequence of lactate dehydrogenase deficiency?
Build up of lactose so lactic acidosis.
What is cyanide poisoning?
Non-competitive inhibition of cytochrome C oxidase, stopping oxidative phosphorylation.
How does cyanide poisoning cause death?
Cytochrome C oxidase is inhibited so there is no regeneration of NAD+, NADP+, or FAD+ so oxidative phosphorylation stops, and death follows.
What is phenylketonuria?
An autosomal recessive condition that has a lack of phenylalanine hydroxylase which leads to a build up of phenylalanine.
How does phenylketonuria cause mental retardation?
Phenylalanine isn’t broken down so is converted to phenylpyruvate which interferes with brain metabolism and causes retardation.
How is phenylketonuria treated?
Remove phenylalanine from the diet.
How is mental retardation from phenylketonuria prevented?
Heel prick test to screen for condition and immediately modify diet.
What is homocysteinuria?
An autosomal recessive condition where there is an absence of cystathione B synthase, leading to homocysteine build-up.
Why might homocysteinuria be mistaken for Marfan’s syndrome?
The homocysteine build up affects connective tissue and causes similar symptoms and presentation.
What is found in the urine in homocysteinuria?
Homocysteine and methionine.
How is homocysteinuria managed?
Vitamin B6 stimulates cystathione B synthase, or vitamin B12 stimulates conversion to methionine which is less harmful than homocysteine accumulation.
What is hyperlipidaemia?
Deficiency of lipoprotein lipase means chylomicrons aren’t broke down and there is increased cholesterol.
How can hyperlipidaemia cause pancreatitis?
The increased cholesterol in the blood can block the pancreas and cause inflammation.
How is hyperlipidaemia managed?
With a low fat diet.
What is hypercholesterolaemia?
High blood cholesterol level from a diet with too much animal fat in it.
How is hypercholesterolaemia managed?
Low cholesterol diet or give statins to block HMG-CoA reductase so formation of cholesterol from acetyl CoA is blocked.
What is hypoglycaemia and what is it caused by?
<3.0 blood glucose from starvation, insulin overdose, or Atkins diet (no carbs).