Complex Molecule Disorders Flashcards
Describe the basic premise of lysosomal storage disorders
- so in metabolic conditions, we can see a buildup of upstream products bc enzyme dysfunction
- lysosome is likel recycling bin of the cell, and when there is a progressive accumulation of dif partially degraded substances, we have issues
Describe the basic premise of enzyme replacement therapy
- Admin via IV
- replaces missing enzyme so that body can degrade what it needs to degrade
Describe the basic premise of bone marrow transplant
- the donor cells are able to produce the enzyme that is missing (not curative though, and this can be a really tough process)
What is the main job of the peroxisome?
- recycling center
- breaks down long chain fatty acids (VLCFA)
- about 30 PEX genes are involved in making peroxisome
Describe Zellweger spectrum
- peroxisome disorder in which one cannot produce peroxisomes
- Results in neuro abnormal, cognitive dysfunc, liver dysfunc, and skeletal changes
- one thing to remember = chondrodysplasia punctata = stipling of the bones
- distinctive facial features
How can we test and treat Zellweger spectrum?
Test: VLCFA - looking for elevations
Therapy: sadly none, just based on symptoms
Describe cause of X-ALD (adrenoleukodystrophy)
- peroxisome disorder bc disrupts transported of VLC into peroxisome –> so they cannot breakdown and accumulate
Describe two forms of X-ALD (adrenoleukodystrophy)
childhood cerebral (1/3 boys)
- 4-8y onset
- neurological regression (eventually lose all purposeful movements + interaction; can see on brain MRI)
Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) (2/3 boys + some females)
- 20-40y onset
- progressive leg stiffness
- bowel/bladder dysfunction
BOTH
- adrenal insufficiency (body cannot produce enough cortisol & cannot resp to illness or keep electrolytes in balance)
How can we test and treat X-ALD?
- testing: VLCFA (like other X-linked disorders, blood test can be falsely normal w females)
- treatment: stem cell transplant –> do this as soon as you see effects on MRI (usu see this before cog decline) & can prevent that decline
^ this = why it is on NBS
How do sphingolipids play a major role?
job = break down complex lipids
major role in cell membrane, protein lipid complexes, spec in nervous tissue
Describe what causes Gaucher
- sphingolipidoses
- Gene: GBA
- What happens: there is a slow buildup of glucosal ceramide in the liver and spleen and bones
Describe main findings in Gaucher
- sphingolipidoses (GBA gene)
- bone pain (27%) –> can lead to bone crisis, fractures, etc
- hepatomegaly (87%)
- splenomegaly (95%)
- anemia (40%)
- thrombocytopenia (50%)
- bone marrow infiltration (38%)
the thing is though that they were talking about how a lot of these cases do not present this severe and are found incidentally ex: car accident and get x-ray
What testing and treatment are available for Gaucher?
Testing:
-biomarker lyso-Gb1 +
- enzyme testing (ABG deficiency = pretty diagnostic)
Treatment:
- enzyme replacement therapy
- Substrate reduction (pills)
Describe what causes Fabry
GLA
x-linked
sphingolipidoses
deficient activity of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A
(AYYY it is FabRAY where we don’t have any Alpha-galac-A)
Describe main findings with Fabry
sphingolipidoses
GLA
x-linked
GI
- cramps, constipation, diarrhea
Neuropathic pain
- hands and feet
- tingling and prickling
- burning
Angiokeratomas
- lower abdomen
- bathing trunk
dec sweating
What can happen when Fabry does untreated?
sphingolipidoses
GLA
x-linked
- kidney disease
- abnormal heart rhythms
- heart enlargement
- increased stroke risk
What treatment is available for Fabry?
sphingolipidoses
GLA
x-linked
- enzyme replacement therapy
(this is more so for the GI symptoms while the organ damage may persist)
What is the cause of Pompe?
GAA
sphingolipidoses
there is little to no alpha-glucosidase
What are the main findings of Pompe?
Infantile-form:
- onset in 1st months
- hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- skeletal muscle weakness (esp diaphragm + breathing) –> can be profoundly weak
Late-onset form:
- onset any age
- proximal limb muscle weakness
- progressive diaphragm weakness
- NO heart involvement
What testing and treatment are available for Pompe?
- test urine for Hex4 (tetrasaccharide)
- treat w enzyme replacement therapy
–> improves muscle weakness + allows for walking + some breathing abilities
What is the cause of Niemann Pick C?
NPC1, NPC2
sphingolipidoses
lipid storage disorder that results from the deficiency of acid sphingomyelinase
What are the main findings in Niemann Pick C?
NPC1, NPC2
sphingolipidoses
- Early infantile onset
- delay in dev motor milestones
- dev regression - Infantile + Childhood onset
- slurred speech
- learning difficulties
- unsteady gait
- seizures or cataplexy - Teenage + Adult onset
- psychiatric symptoms (cataplexia)
- progressive cognitive impairment
also can see enlargement of spleen and liver
What are the testing and treatment options in Niemann Pick C?
NPC1, NPC2
sphingolipidoses
Testing: blood test - oxysterols - looking for elevated level
Therapy: therapy w Miglustat = oral drug that slows disease but does not stop it