Biochemical Genetics 2 Flashcards
Carbohydrate metabolism and Fatty acid oxidation disorders
How are classic and clinical variant galactosemia detected on NBS
primarily based on the quantification of (may be dependent on state):
total content of the erythrocyte galactose-1-phosphate and blood galactose concentration AND/OR
erythrocyte GALT activity
requires f/u testing in a biochem genetics lab
DIETARY INTERVENTION NEEDS TO BEGIN IMMEDIATELY
What are the biochemical differences between classic and clinical galctosemia
Classic galactosemia
erythrocyte galactose-1-phosphate is high
plasma free galactose is usually high
GALT enzyme activity is absent or barely detectable
Clinical variant galactosemia
erythrocyte galactose-1-phosphate is usually high
Plasma free galactose may be high
Erythrocyte GALT enzyme activity is close to or above 1% of control values but probably never >10-15%
In certain pops (AA with hypomorphic alleles including p.Ser135Leu/Ser135Leu) erythrocyte GALT enzyme activity may be absent or barely detectable but is often much higher in liver and in intestinal tissue
How can the dx of galactosemia be established
Detection of elevated erythrocyte galactose-1-phosphate concentration, reduced erythrocyte galactose-1-phosphate uridylytransferase (GALT) enzyme activity, and/or biallelic PVs in GALT
What molecular (Genetic) testing approach should be taken to identify galactosemia
sequence analysis of GALT first then gene-targeted del/dup
targeted analysis for common PVs can be performed first in individuals of European or African ancestry
What are the clinical features of classic galactosemia
Within days of ingesting breast milk or lactose-containing formulas develop life-threatening complications including feeding problems, FTT, hypoglycemia, hepatocellular damage, bleeding diathesis, and jaundice
if classic galactosemia is not tx, sepsis with E coli, shock, and death may occur
extreme variability in symptoms
What is the long term outcome of those with classic galactosemia
cataracts, speech defects, poor growth, poor intellectual function, neurological deficits (extrapyramidal findings with ataxia), hypergonadotropic hypogonadism or premature ovarian insufficiency (both in females)
greater incidence of DD among individuals who were not tx until after age 2mo
What are the clinical features of individuals with clinical variant galactosemia
What populations is this most commonly seen in, and what molecular considerations need to be taken into account for this condition
early cataracts, liver dz, mild ID with ataxia, growth restriction
can result in life threatening complications including feeding problems, FTT, hepatocellular damage (cirrhosis), and bleeding
occurs in AA and native Africans in S. Africa with a p.Ser135Leu/Ser135Leu genotype
may be missed in NBS bc the hypergalactosemia is not as marked as in classic galactosemia
if lactose restricted diet is provided in the first ten days of life, severe acute neonatal complications usually do not occur
What are the common variants associated with classic galactosemia
Q188R/Q188R (p.Gln188Arg/Gln188Arg)
~70% of alleles in persons with GALT deficiency of northern European ancestry; associated with increased risks for POI and childhood apraxia of speech
K285N/K285N (p.Lys285Asn/Lys285Asn)
prevalent in southern Germany, Austria, and Croatia; associated with poor prognosis for neurologic and cognitive function, considered classic galactosemia
L195P/L195P (p.Leu195Pro/Leu195Pro)
delta 5.2kb del/ delta 5.2kb del (seen in AJ pop)
What is the variant associated with clinical variant galactosemia
p.Ser135Leu/Ser135Leu
S135L/S135L
prevalent in Africa
if therapy is initiated, have a good prognosis; generally not prone to E coli sepsis or chronic complications when tx from infancy
What are the variants associated with biochemical galactosemia
Duarte: c.940A>G;-16_1119delGTCA
(4bp 5’ del + N314D/Q188R)
enzyme activity is reduced by 50%; generally exhibit no signs and symptoms of dz, only biochemical perturbations
LA: identical to duarte but does not have the deletion
What is the enzymatic difference between the three types of galactosemia
classic: severe GALT deficiency with absent or barely detectable activity in erythrocytes and liver
clinical variant: 1-10% residual GALT activity in erythrocytes and/or liver
biochemical variant: 15-33% residual GALT activity in erythrocytes
What are some DD for galactosemia
hereditary fructose intolerance
tyrosinemia type 1
Alagille syndrome
Niemann-Pick dz type C
Galactokinase deficiency
What are the recommended evals following a galactosemia dx
consultation with metabolic physician and specialist metabolic dietician
gastro/nutrition/feeding team eval
eval for hepatocellular dz
developmental assessment
consultation with neurologist
consultation with ophthalmologist
infectious dz
consultation with social worker/psychologist
consider assessment for ovarian dysfunction
What is the recommended tx for galactosemia
remove all milk products from diet which should continue throughout life, replace infant formulas with isomil or Prosobee
standard tx for cataracts
standard tx for POI
stimulation with FSH for some to induce ovulation
supplements of vitamin D and K for diminished bone mineral density
What is the schedule for individuals with galactosemia to have a biochemical genetics visit
q3mo for the first yr of life or as needed
q6mo during the second yr of life
yearly thereafter
What should individuals with galactosemia avoid
breast milk, infant formula with lactose, cows milk, dairy products, casein or whey containing foods
meds with lactose or galactose
How is carrier testing done for galactosemia
measuring erythrocyte GALT enzyme activity:
~50% of control values in carriers of classic galactosemia
~50% of control values in carriers of p.Ser135Leu-related clinical variant galactosemia; different than those in the homozygous state whcih will show 1-10% of GALT enzyme activity
What is the molecular pathogenesis of galactosemia? Mechanism of dz?
catalyzes the converstion of galactose 1 phosphate and UDP glucose to UDP galactose and Clu-1-P in a bi-bi molecular rxn
when GALT activity is deficient, galactose-1-phosphate, galactose, and galactitol accumulate
LOF
In which population is galactokinase deficiency high
Romani population, carrier frequency is 1 in 47
Describe the pathophysiology associated with galactokinase deficiency (galactosemia type 2)
block of the pathway (galactose metabolism) leads to accumulation of galactitol in the lens, causing osmotic swelling of the lens fibers, rupture of the cell membrane, and protein denaturation causing cataracts; reversible only if galactose is withdrawn from food before the rupture of the cell membrane
gal-1-phosphate does NOT accumulate, unlike galactosemia type 1
What are the clinical features of galactokinase deficiency
usually produces no dramatic dz in the first weeks to months of life
unexplained hyperbilirubinemia, bilateral cataracts, pseudotumor cerebri, high risk of dyspraxia, ID, motor delays, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, microcephaly, FTT, seizures, bilateral deafness, hypoglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hepatomegaly, ovarian failure common
What are carriers for galactokinase deficiency at risk for
presenile cataracts
What is the recommended tx/managements for pts with galactokinase deficiency
dietary galactose restriction with calcium supplementation is essential
cataracts that are too dense or mature may require sx
long term management includes measurements of galactose (especially galactitol in the RBCs), routine ophthalmologic exam by slip lamp, neuroimaging to monitor for pseudotumor cerebri, blood sugar checks for hypoglycemia
What are some DD for galactokinase deficiency
classic galactosemia, Duarte galactosemia, epimerase deficiency galactosemia
How is galactokinase deficiency tested for
after positive NBS, GALT enzyme activity measured – if normal and clinical suspicion is high (GALT level is high but GAL1P levels are normal), galactokinase enzyme assay should be initiated
can also do full gene sequencing followed by del/dup, no targeted mutation testing
What are the three different versions of epimerase deficiency galactosemia
Generalized: enzyme activity is profoundly decreased in all tissues tested
Peripheral: enzyme activity is deficient in RBC and circulating WBCs but normal or near normal in all other tissues
Intermediate: enzyme activity is deficient in RBC and circulating WBCs and less than 50% of normal levels in other cells tested
What are suggestive lab findings consistent with a dx of GALE deficiency
elevated RBC hemolysate gal-1P concentration
urinary galactose concentrations high
elevated urinary galactitol concentration
generalized aminoaciduria
normal GALT, GALK, and GALM concentrations
What do the NBS results suggest for someone with GALE deficiency
in states in which the NBS program includes measurements of both total galactose and GALT enzyme activity: total galactose is elevated and GALT enzyme activity is normal
in states where total galactose is only measured if GALT activity is low, results for NBS will be normal
How is the dx of GALE deficiency established biochemically
ONE OR MORE of the following:
reduced GALE enzyme activity in RBC as determined by traditional spectrophotometric assay
reduced GALE enzyme activity in RBC using liquid chromatography/mass spec
GALE enzyme activity can be measured in fibroblasts or lymphoblasts to help distinguish between the generalized, peripheral, and intermediate forms but is not currently offered on a clinical basis
How is the dx of GALE deficiency established with molecular testing
biallelic PVs in GALE
sequence analysis of GALE is performed first followed by gene targeted del/dup analysis
What are the clinical features associated with generalized epimerase deficiency galactosemia
hypotonia, vomiting, weight loss, jaundice, hepatomegaly, liver dysfunction, aminoaciduria, cataracts, renal dysfunction
SNHL, physical and cognitive DD and/or learning difficulties
What clinical features are associated with peripheral epimerase deficiency galactosemia
usually asymptomatic even on a regular milk diet
appear to remain asymptomatic even if maintained on a normal milk diet
What clinical features are associated with intermediate epimerase deficiency galactosemia
usually asymptomatic even on a regular milk diet and are only identified through NBS
tx by dietary galactose/lactose, at least in infancy, and thus far those who have been followed appear to remain clinically well
What are the recommended evals following a dx of GALE deficiency
neurologic eval, developmental assessment, orthopedics, PT/OT, nutrition and feeding eval, liver function tests, urinalysis, ophthalmologic eval, audiologic eval
What are some DD for epimerase deficiency galactosemia
GALT deficiency (classic galactosemia, clinical variant galactosemia, duarte variant galactosemia)
GALK deficiency
What are the recommended treatments following a dx of GALE deficiency
switch from breast milk or milk-based formula to one with trace levels of galactose or lactose; dietary restriction involves continued restriction of dairy products
standard tx for contractures/clubfoot
feeding therapy for poor weight gain/FTT
sx removal of cataracts if they do not resolve with dietary restriction
hearing aids for hearing loss
those with peripheral GALE deficiency, do not need tx
Can carriers for GALE deficiency be detected via enzymatic analysis? prenatal testing?
although biochemical testing to detect carriers is also a possibility, the ranges for control and carrier GALE enzyme activity overlap, thus making molecular genetic testing the preferred method for carrier detection
theoretically, prenatal testing can be accomplished via amniocytes/CVS but due to lack of GALE reference range for the relevant sample type, it is not usually done on a clinical basis
What is the molecular pathogenesis of GALE deficiency? Mechanism of dz?
GALE catalyzes an essential step in the galactose metabolism converting UDP-galactose to UDP-glucose
cataracts associated with epimerase deficiency galactosemia are believed to be caused by galactitol accumulation in the ocular lens
LOF
Describe the features of a pt with fructokinase deficiency
benign condition, usually detected incidentally on NBS
fructose in the urine
no tx necessary
What are the laboratory findings consistent with hereditary fructose intolerance (fructosemia)
hypoglycemia
lactic acidemia
hypophosphatemia
hyperuricemia
hypermagnesemia
hyperalanemia
When is the dx of hereditary fructose intolerance (fructosemia) made
established in a proband with the following after exposure to fructose, sucrose, sorbitol, and/or sucralose
biallelic PVs in ALDOB on molecular genetic testing (sequence analysis first then del/dup)
deficient hepatic fructose 1-phosphate aldolase (aldolase B) on liver bx
Fructose tolerance testing (“fructose challenge”) can be hazardous for dx and should not be used
How can the dx of hereditary fructose intolerance (fructosemia) made via liver bx`
fructose-1-phosphate aldolase B enzyme assays and fructose assay enzyme panels on frozen liver tissue may be important options
while molecular genetic testing is the first line dx test for HFI, assay of aldolase B activity on liver bx is more invasive but more sensitive than molecular genetic testing
What are the clinical features associated with hereditary fructose intolerance
nausea, bloating/ascites, vomiting, sweating, abdominal pain, enlarged liver, growth delays, lethargy, seizures, progressive coma, recurrent/profound hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, liver dysfunction (hepatomegaly despite fructose restriction, hepatic adenoma and fibrosis), and/or renal insufficiency (proximal tubular dysfunction); coagulopathy
acute hypoglycemia which can lead to death; ONE OF THE FEW INBORN ERRORS OF METABOLISM THAT HYPOGLYCEMIA OCCURS IN THE IMMEDIATE STATE AFTER EATING
What is the prognosis of pts with hereditary fructose intolerance
when dietary fructose, sucrose, sorbitol, and/or sucralose restriction is implemented early in life and adherence is maintained, prognosis for individuals with HFI is excellent
Do carriers of hereditary fructose intolerance present with symptoms
yes, predisposed to gout/crystal arthropathy
increases in plasma uric acid concentration in response to fructose ingestion compared to controls
What are some DD for hereditary fructose intolerance
Neonatal hemochromatosis
infectious hepatitis, sepsis
FAODs
Disorders of gluconeogenesis (Fructose 1,6 Bisphosphate deficiency)
Organic acidemias
Type 1 congenital disorders of glycosylation (HFI causes a secondary disorder of glycosylation)
What are the recommended initial evals for someone with hereditary fructose intolerance
baseline status by biochemical geneticist
dietary management by dietician
ophthalmologic involvement
assess liver enzymes to assess hepatic involvement
assess renal function by measuring related analytes and electrolytes
What are the recommended txs for those with hereditary fructose intolerance in the acute inpatient setting
IV glucose
fresh frozen plasma or exchange transfusion for hepatic insufficiency
tx of metabolic acidosis
immediate and complete elimination of fructose and supplement with glucose, maltose, and cornstarch
What are the recommended txs for those with hereditary fructose intolerance
dietary restriction of fructose, sucrose, and sorbitol
remove sources of fructose to control hepatomegaly and renal involvement
ensuring adequate vitamin supplementation in the setting of reduced fruit and vegetable intake is imperative
What should be avoided in those with hereditary fructose intolerance
fructose tolerance testing to dx HFI
vaccine for rotavirus vaccine in the US which is routinely administered prior to the discovery of HFI in an infant and contains a high amount of sucrose per dose
What is the molecular pathogenesis of Hereditary fructose intolerance (fructosemia)? Mechanism of dz?
aldolase B participates in fructose metabolism, mostly in the liver, renal cortex, and intestinal mucosa
normally aldolase B rapidly coverts IV fructose to glucose, resulting in hyperglycemia; fructose may also be converted to lactate, provoking metabolic acidosis
LOF of enzyme aldolase B
In what populations is hereditary fructose intolerance most commonly seen
Turkey, Spain, Central Europe, France, US, Italy
What are the metabolic findings consistent with Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphatase deficiency
strong clinical suspicion for:
hypoglycemia, high anion-gap metabolic acidosis (lactic acidemia with possible elevate lactate:pyruvate ratio, hyperalanemia), ketosis, pseudo-hypertriglycemia, hyperuricemia, increased free FAs in some cases
HIGH GLYCEROL 3-PHOSPHATE IS AN IMPORTANT BIOMARKER ON URINE ORGANIC ACID ANALYSIS
How is the dx of Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphatase deficiency established
identification of biallelic PVs on molecular genetic testing (perform sequence analysis first then gene-targeted del/dup analysis); dels of exons as well as whole gene dels have been reported
deficient fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1 activity in liver or mononuclear WBCs (while enzymatic activity in leukocytes and liver is very specific, testing is not widely available)
What are the clinical features associated with Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphatase deficiency
episodic due to lactic acidosis and ketotic hypoglycemia which are often triggered by fasting or febrile infections or increased fructose levels
most frequent in early life and subsequently decrease in frequency
nearly half present in the first 4d of life with an acute crisis, results from hypoglycemia due to deficient glycogen stores
episodes of hyperventilation, apneic spells, seizures, coma, hepatomegaly, hypotonia, transient liver dysfunction, irritability, lethargy, dyspnea
in between crises, children are asymptomatic and majority experience normal growth and psychomotor development
continued catabolism leads to multiorgan failure (liver, brain, later heart), morbidity/mortality are high, sepsis, blindness, Reye syndrome like presentation have been reported
What are some DD for Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphatase deficiency
Hereditary fructose intolerance
glycogen storage dz type 1
FAODs
mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders and krebs cycle disorders
What are the recommended evaluations following initial dx of Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphatase deficiency
consultation with metabolic physician and specialist metabolic dietician
abdominal u/s, baseline liver function tests, baseline serum lipid panel, baseline serum uric acid to assess for hepatomegaly
developmental assessment
What is the emergency outpatient tx of pts in crisis with Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphatase deficiency
restriction of fructose, sucrose, glycerol, and sorbitol
increased frequency of carb feedings
intake of glucose polymers
ketonuria is an early indicator of impending crisis
prevent hypoglycemia by slowly absorbed carbs such as uncooked cornstarch at bedtime to prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia
What is the acute inpt tx of pts in crisis with Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphatase deficiency
IV glucose for hypoglycemia
administer sodium bicarbonate and restrict fructose, glycerol, sucrose, and sorbitol for metabolic acidosis
hepatomegaly and elevated transaminases resolve spontaneously
What should pts with Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphatase deficiency avoid
avoid food with fructose, sucrose, glycerol, and/or sorbitol
fructose tolerance testing (fructose challenge) can be hazardous and should not be performed
If a person with Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphatase deficiency were to have a pregnancy, what recommendations should they follow
pre pregnancy: prevent hypoglycemia and monitor for early detection
pregnancy: close monitoring for hypoglycemia, maintenance of glycemic control by taking uncooked cornstarch at night as needed; increase in dietary intake and glucose monitoring as needed
during labor: continuous glycose infusion to remain euglycemia
biochemical testing is not a reliable method for prenatal dx as FBP1 enzyme activity has been reported to be low in the human placenta
What is the molecular pathogenesis of Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphatase deficiency? Mechanism of dz?
deficiency impairs glucose production from all gluconeogenic precursors, including dietary fructose
LOF of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1 function
What are the laboratory findings consistent with glycogen storage dz type 1 (Von Gierke)?
hypoglycemia
mildly elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
high blood lactate
high uric acid
hyperlipidemia (triglycerides and cholesterol)
How is the dx of GSD1 established
biallelic PVs in G6PC1 (GSD Ia) or SLC37A4 (GSD Ib) on molecular testing
deficient hepatic enzyme activity (glucose-g-phosphatase catalytic activity [GSD Ia]) from liver bx; glucose-6-phosphate exchanger activity (GSD Ib) is no longer clinically available
How is the dx of GSD1 established using molecular testing
concurrent gene testing of sequence and gene-targeted del/dup analysis of G6PC1 and SLC37A4
Targeted analysis for PVs can be performed FIRST in individuals of AJ or Amish ancestry
How is the dx of GSD1 established using enzyme activity assay
sample needs to be frozen liver bx
most individuals with GSD Ia will have enzyme activity <10% of normal; in rare individuals with milder clinical manifestations, enzyme activity can be higher
MOLECULAR GENETIC TESTING IS INCREASINGLY THE PREFERRED CONFIRMATORY TEST COMPARED TO INVASIVE LIVER BX
What are the clinical features associated with GSD1
poor growth (leading to short stature), hepatomegaly and nephromegaly (due to accumulation of glycogen and fat). lactic acidosis, hyperuricemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypoglycemic seizures, doll-like facies, full cheeks, thin extremities, protuberant abdomen, possible splenomegaly during infection IN TYPE 1B, eruptive xanthomas, diarrhea, acquired von Willebrand dz (bleeding tendency, epistaxis, easy bruising)
What are some long term complications of untx GSD1
poor growth and stature in adulthood; frequent fractures and osteopenia are common; delayed puberty (can be normal w tx), some progress to ESKD and need a kidney transplant, gout can develop after puberty due to hyperuricemia, systemic HTN in second decade of life due to kidney dz progression
development of hepatic adenomas with more females having them, can turn into hepatocellular carcinoma; pancreatitis due to severe hypertriglyceridemia, variable degrees of gliosis and encephalomalacia in brain, anemia (GSD1A due to hepatic adenoma, GSD1b due to enterocolitis and inflammatory bowel dz), GSD1B assocaited with chronic neutropenia and impaired neutrophil and monocyte function (recurrent infections), polycystic ovaries in some females, thyroid autoimmunity and hypothyroidism caused by abnormal T cell function
What are phenotype correlations noted in GSD1
In G6PC1 (associated w GSD1A)
better improvement of bone mineral density is seen with optimized diet and vitamin D supplementation
severe anemia often associated with hepatic adenomas, with kidney failure, persistent, menorrhagia, poor nutrition, and often multifactorial
in SLC37A4 (GSD 1b)
severe neutropenia and related enterocolitis and intestinal mucosal inflammation may occur leading to severe anemia
risk for thyroid autoimmunity and hypothyroidism is increased