ERYTHROPOIETIC PROTOPORPHYRIAS Meaning and
Definition
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Erythropoietic Protoporphyrias (EPP) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the deficiency of certain enzymes involved in the production of heme, a component of hemoglobin found in red blood cells. Erythropoiesis refers to the formation of red blood cells, and protoporphyrias refer to a group of disorders caused by abnormalities in the synthesis of porphyrins, which are precursors to heme.
Individuals with EPP have a deficiency of the enzyme ferrochelatase or a mutation in the gene that codes for this enzyme. This leads to the accumulation of protoporphyrins, a type of porphyrin, in the body tissues, particularly in the skin, blood, and liver. When exposed to light, the accumulated protoporphyrins are activated, releasing toxic reactive oxygen species that cause severe skin photosensitivity, resulting in painful skin reactions upon sun exposure.
Common symptoms of EPP include painful burning, itching, and swelling of the skin after exposure to sunlight, which can occur within minutes to hours. In some cases, symptoms can also be triggered by artificial light sources. Chronic skin changes, such as thickening, scarring, and darkening of the skin, may also occur over time.
Diagnosis of EPP is typically based on clinical symptoms, a thorough medical history, and specialized laboratory tests that detect elevated levels of protoporphyrins in the blood, feces, and/or erythrocytes. Genetic testing may also be performed to confirm the specific gene mutation responsible for the disorder.
While there is no cure for EPP, management strategies mainly focus on avoiding sunlight and reducing symptoms. This may involve using protective clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses, as well as avoiding specific light
Common Misspellings for ERYTHROPOIETIC PROTOPORPHYRIAS
- wrythropoietic protoporphyrias
- srythropoietic protoporphyrias
- drythropoietic protoporphyrias
- rrythropoietic protoporphyrias
- 4rythropoietic protoporphyrias
- 3rythropoietic protoporphyrias
- eeythropoietic protoporphyrias
- edythropoietic protoporphyrias
- efythropoietic protoporphyrias
- etythropoietic protoporphyrias
- e5ythropoietic protoporphyrias
- e4ythropoietic protoporphyrias
- ertthropoietic protoporphyrias
- ergthropoietic protoporphyrias
- erhthropoietic protoporphyrias
- eruthropoietic protoporphyrias
- er7thropoietic protoporphyrias
- er6thropoietic protoporphyrias
- eryrhropoietic protoporphyrias
- eryfhropoietic protoporphyrias
Etymology of ERYTHROPOIETIC PROTOPORPHYRIAS
The word "erythropoietic" is derived from the Greek words "erythros" meaning "red" and "poiesis" meaning "production". It refers to the production of red blood cells.
The term "protoporphyria" is a combination of two Greek words. "Proteos" means "first" or "early" and "porphyria" refers to a group of genetic disorders characterized by impairment of the body's ability to produce heme, a vital component of hemoglobin.
Therefore, "erythropoietic protoporphyrias" can be understood as a group of disorders that involve the impaired production of red blood cells and heme synthesis.
