Organic acidemia

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Organic acidemia
Other namesOrganic aciduria,
Organic acid disorder

Organic acidemia is a term used to classify a group of metabolic disorders which disrupt normal amino acid metabolism, particularly branched-chain amino acids, causing a buildup of acids which are usually not present. [1]

Contents

The branched-chain amino acids include isoleucine, leucine and valine. [1] Organic acids refer to the amino acids and certain odd-chained fatty acids which are affected by these disorders.

The four main types of organic acidemia are: methylmalonic acidemia, propionic acidemia, isovaleric acidemia, and maple syrup urine disease. [1]

Cause

Most of the organic acidemias result from defective autosomal genes for various enzymes important to amino acid metabolism. Neurological and physiological harm is caused by this impaired ability to synthesize a key enzyme required to break down a specific amino acid, or group of amino acids, resulting in acidemia and toxicity to specific organs systems. Most are inherited as autosomal recessive diseases. [2] [3]

Diagnosis

Organic acidemias are usually diagnosed in infancy, characterized by urinary excretion of abnormal amounts or types of organic acids. The diagnosis is usually made by detecting an abnormal pattern of organic acids in a urine sample by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In some conditions, the urine is always abnormal, in others the characteristic substances are only present intermittently. Many of the organic acidemias are detectable by newborn screening with tandem mass spectrometry. [4]

These disorders vary in their prognosis, from manageable to fatal, and usually affect more than one organ system, especially the central nervous system.

Neurological damage and developmental delay are common factors in diagnosis, with associated symptoms ranging from poor feeding to slow growth, lethargy, vomiting, dehydration, malnutrition, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, metabolic acidosis, ketoacidosis, hyperammonemia, and if left untreated, death. [5]

Treatment

Treatment or management of organic acidemias vary; eg see methylmalonic acidemia, propionic acidemia, isovaleric acidemia, and maple syrup urine disease.[ citation needed ]

As of 1984 there were no effective treatments for all of the conditions, though treatment for some included a limited protein/high carbohydrate diet, intravenous fluids, amino acid substitution, vitamin supplementation, carnitine, induced anabolism, [6] and in some cases, tube-feeding.

As of 1993 beta-ketothiolase deficiency and other OAs were managed by trying to restore biochemical and physiologic homeostasis; common therapies included restricting diet to avoid the precursor amino acids and use of compounds to either dispose of toxic metabolites or increase enzyme activity. [7]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Isoleucine</span> Chemical compound

Isoleucine (symbol Ile or I) is an α-amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It contains an α-amino group (which is in the protonated −NH+3 form under biological conditions), an α-carboxylic acid group (which is in the deprotonated −COO form under biological conditions), and a hydrocarbon side chain with a branch (a central carbon atom bound to three other carbon atoms). It is classified as a non-polar, uncharged (at physiological pH), branched-chain, aliphatic amino acid. It is essential in humans, meaning the body cannot synthesize it. Essential amino acids are necessary in our diet. In plants isoleucine can be synthesized from threonine and methionine. In plants and bacteria, isoleucine is synthesized from pyruvate employing leucine biosynthesis enzymes. It is encoded by the codons AUU, AUC, and AUA.

Valine (symbol Val or V) is an α-amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It contains an α-amino group (which is in the protonated −NH3+ form under biological conditions), an α-carboxylic acid group (which is in the deprotonated −COO form under biological conditions), and a side chain isopropyl group, making it a non-polar aliphatic amino acid. It is essential in humans, meaning the body cannot synthesize it: it must be obtained from the diet. Human dietary sources are foods that contain protein, such as meats, dairy products, soy products, beans and legumes. It is encoded by all codons starting with GU (GUU, GUC, GUA, and GUG).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Methylmalonic acidemia</span> Medical condition

Methylmalonic acidemia, also called methylmalonic aciduria, is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder that disrupts normal amino acid metabolism. It is a classical type of organic acidemia. The result of this condition is the inability to properly digest specific fats and proteins, which in turn leads to a buildup of a toxic level of methylmalonic acid in the blood.

Propionic acidemia, also known as propionic aciduria or propionyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency, is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder, classified as a branched-chain organic acidemia.

Inborn errors of metabolism form a large class of genetic diseases involving congenital disorders of enzyme activities. The majority are due to defects of single genes that code for enzymes that facilitate conversion of various substances (substrates) into others (products). In most of the disorders, problems arise due to accumulation of substances which are toxic or interfere with normal function, or due to the effects of reduced ability to synthesize essential compounds. Inborn errors of metabolism are often referred to as congenital metabolic diseases or inherited metabolic disorders. Another term used to describe these disorders is "enzymopathies". This term was created following the study of biodynamic enzymology, a science based on the study of the enzymes and their products. Finally, inborn errors of metabolism were studied for the first time by British physician Archibald Garrod (1857–1936), in 1908. He is known for work that prefigured the "one gene-one enzyme" hypothesis, based on his studies on the nature and inheritance of alkaptonuria. His seminal text, Inborn Errors of Metabolism, was published in 1923.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Isovaleric acidemia</span> Medical condition disrupting normal metabolism

Isovaleric acidemia is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder which disrupts or prevents normal metabolism of the branched-chain amino acid leucine. It is a classical type of organic acidemia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maple syrup urine disease</span> Autosomal recessive metabolic disorder

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder affecting branched-chain amino acids. It is one type of organic acidemia. The condition gets its name from the distinctive sweet odor of affected infants' urine and earwax, particularly prior to diagnosis and during times of acute illness. It was described by John Menkes in the 1950s.

Glutaric acidemia type 1 (GA1) is an inherited disorder in which the body is unable to completely break down the amino acids lysine, hydroxylysine and tryptophan. Excessive levels of their intermediate breakdown products can accumulate and cause damage to the brain, but particularly the basal ganglia, which are regions that help regulate movement. GA1 causes secondary carnitine deficiency, as glutaric acid, like other organic acids, is detoxified by carnitine. Mental retardation may occur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">3 hydroxyisobutyric aciduria</span> Medical condition

3 Hydroxyisobutyric aciduria is a rare metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to metabolize certain amino acids. This causes a toxic buildup of specific acids called organic acids in the blood, tissues, and urine. The precise underlying cause remains unknown. Some cases may be caused by mutations in the ALDH6A1 gene and inherited autosomally recessively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">3-Methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency</span> Medical condition

3-Methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency also known as 3-Methylcrotonylglycinuria is an inborn error of leucine metabolism and is inherited through an autosomal dominant fashion. 3-Methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency is caused by mutations in the MCCC1 gene, formerly known as MMCA, or the MCCC2 gene, formerly known as MCCB. MCCC1 encodes the a-subunits of 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase while MCCC2 encodes the b-subunits. The clinical presentation of 3-Methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency is varied, even within members of the same family.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Methylmalonyl-CoA mutase deficiency</span> Medical condition

Methylmalonyl-CoA mutase is a mitochondrial homodimer apoenzyme that focuses on the catalysis of methylmalonyl CoA to succinyl CoA. The enzyme is bound to adenosylcobalamin, a hormonal derivative of vitamin B12 in order to function. Methylmalonyl-CoA mutase deficiency is caused by genetic defect in the MUT gene responsible for encoding the enzyme. Deficiency in this enzyme accounts for 60% of the cases of methylmalonic acidemia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glycine encephalopathy</span> Medical condition

Glycine encephalopathy is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of glycine metabolism. After phenylketonuria, glycine encephalopathy is the second most common disorder of amino acid metabolism. The disease is caused by defects in the glycine cleavage system, an enzyme responsible for glycine catabolism. There are several forms of the disease, with varying severity of symptoms and time of onset. The symptoms are exclusively neurological in nature, and clinically this disorder is characterized by abnormally high levels of the amino acid glycine in bodily fluids and tissues, especially the cerebrospinal fluid.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">William Nyhan</span> American physician (born 1926)

William Leo Nyhan is an American physician best known as the co-discoverer of Lesch–Nyhan syndrome.

2-Methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder. It causes the body to be unable to process the amino acid isoleucine properly. Initial case reports identified individuals with developmental delay and epilepsy, however most cases identified through newborn screening have been asymptomatic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Methylmalonyl-CoA</span> Chemical compound

Methylmalonyl-CoA is the thioester consisting of coenzyme A linked to methylmalonic acid. It is an important intermediate in the biosynthesis of succinyl-CoA, which plays an essential role in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The compound is sometimes referred to as "methylmalyl-CoA".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hypervalinemia</span> Medical condition

Hypervalinemia is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder in which urinary and serum levels of the branched-chain amino acid valine are elevated, without related elevation of the branched-chain amino acids leucine and isoleucine. It is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme valine transaminase.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Congenital disorders of amino acid metabolism</span> Medical condition

Inborn errors of amino acid metabolism are metabolic disorders which impair the synthesis and degradation of amino acids.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">D-Glyceric acidemia</span> Medical condition

D-Glyceric acidemia is an inherited disease, in the category of inborn errors of metabolism. It is caused by a mutation in the gene GLYCTK, which encodes for the enzyme glycerate kinase.

Combined malonic and methylmalonic aciduria (CMAMMA), also called combined malonic and methylmalonic acidemia is an inherited metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of malonic acid and methylmalonic acid. Some researchers have hypothesized that CMAMMA might be one of the most common forms of methylmalonic acidemia, and possibly one of the most common inborn errors of metabolism. Due to being infrequently diagnosed, it most often goes undetected.

References

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  2. Häberle, Johannes; Boddaert, Nathalie; Burlina, Alberto; Chakrapani, Anupam; Dixon, Marjorie; Huemer, Martina; Karall, Daniela; Martinelli, Diego; Crespo, Pablo S. (2012-05-29). "Suggested guidelines for the diagnosis and management of urea cycle disorders". Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. 7 (1): 32. doi: 10.1186/1750-1172-7-32 . ISSN   1750-1172. PMC   3488504 . PMID   22642880.
  3. Kölker, Stefan; Christensen, Ernst; Leonard, James V.; Greenberg, Cheryl R.; Boneh, Avihu; Burlina, Alberto B.; Burlina, Alessandro P.; Dixon, Marjorie; Duran, Marinus (2011). "Diagnosis and management of glutaric aciduria type I – revised recommendations". Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease. 34 (3): 677–694. doi:10.1007/s10545-011-9289-5. ISSN   0141-8955. PMC   3109243 . PMID   21431622.
  4. Dionisi-Vici C, Deodato F, Raschinger W, Rhead W, Wilcken B (2006). "Classical organic acidurias, propionic aciduria, methylmalonic aciduria, and isovaleric aciduria: long-term outcome and effects of expanded newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry". J Inherit Metab Dis. 29 (2–3): 383–389. doi: 10.1007/s10545-006-0278-z . PMID   16763906. S2CID   19710669.
  5. Pellock, John M.; Myer, Edwin C. (2013-10-22). Neurologic Emergencies in Infancy and Childhood. Butterworth-Heinemann. ISBN   9781483193922 . Retrieved 2015-04-17.
  6. Saudubray JM, Ogier H, Charpentier C, Depondt E, Couda FX, Munnich A, Mitchell G, Rey F, Rey J, Frazal J (1984). "Hudson Memorial Lecture Neonatal Management of Organic Acidurias. Clinical Update". Organic Acidurias. Vol. 7. pp. 2–9. doi:10.1007/978-94-009-5612-4_2. ISBN   978-94-010-8975-3. PMID   6434839.{{cite book}}: |journal= ignored (help)
  7. Seashore, MR; Pagon, RA; Adam, MP; Ardinger, HH; Bird, TD; Dolan, CR; Fong, CT; Smith, RJH; Stephens, K (1993). "The Organic Acidemias: An Overview". Gene Reviews (R) Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2015.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)