Glutathione synthetase deficiency

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Glutathione synthetase deficiency
Other namesPyroglutamicaciduria, 5-Oxoprolinuria, Oxoprolinase deficiency, Pyroglutamic aciduria
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Glutathione

Glutathione synthetase deficiency (GSD) is a rare autosomal recessive [1] metabolic disorder that prevents the production of glutathione. Glutathione helps prevent damage to cells by neutralizing harmful molecules generated during energy production. Glutathione also plays a role in processing medications and cancer-causing compounds (carcinogens), and building DNA, proteins, and other important cellular components.

Contents

Signs and symptoms

Genetics

Glutathione synthetase deficiency has an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. Autorecessive.svg
Glutathione synthetase deficiency has an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance.

Mutations in the GSS gene cause glutathione synthetase deficiency. This gene provides instructions for making the enzyme glutathione synthetase. This enzyme is involved in a process called the gamma-glutamyl cycle, which takes place in most of the body's cells. This cycle is necessary for producing a molecule called glutathione. Glutathione protects cells from damage caused by unstable oxygen-containing molecules, which are byproducts of energy production. Glutathione is called an antioxidant because of its role in protecting cells from the damaging effects of these unstable molecules which are byproducts of energy production. Mutations in the GSS gene prevent cells from making adequate levels of glutathione, leading to the signs and symptoms of glutathione synthetase deficiency.

This disorder is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means the defective gene is located on an autosome, and two copies of the gene - one from each parent - are required to be born with the disorder. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive disorder each carry one copy of the defective gene, but usually are not affected by the disorder.

Diagnosis

Glutathione synthetase deficiency can be classified into three types: mild, moderate and severe. [2]

Treatment

As of 2018, there is no cure for GSD, and treatment is restricted to manage symptoms and associated problems. [3] Thus, sodium bicarbonate is recommended to treat metabolic acidosis, and antioxidants, among them vitamins E and C, can reduce oxidative damage. [3]

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References

  1. Njålsson, Runa; Ristoff, Ellinor; Carlsson, Katarina; Winkler, Andreas; Larsson, Agne; Norgren, Svante (2005). "Genotype, enzyme activity, glutathione level, and clinical phenotype in patients with glutathione synthetase deficiency". Human Genetics. 116 (5): 384–9. doi:10.1007/s00439-005-1255-6. PMID   15717202. S2CID   19707969.
  2. 1 2 Njålsson, R. (2005). "Glutathione synthetase deficiency". Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. 62 (17): 1938–45. doi:10.1007/s00018-005-5163-7. PMC   11139123 . PMID   15990954. S2CID   59244.
  3. 1 2 NIH (May 13, 2018). "Glutathione synthetase deficiency". NIH/GARD. Retrieved January 24, 2020.

Further reading