METACHROMATIC LEUKODYSTROPHIES Meaning and
Definition
-
Metachromatic leukodystrophies (MLDs) are a group of inherited rare genetic disorders that affect the metabolism of lipids, particularly in the nervous system. These disorders are characterized by the progressive degradation of the protective covering of nerve cells, called myelin, which results in the loss of its normal white color, giving rise to the term "metachromatic." This disintegration of myelin disrupts the transmission of nerve signals, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms.
MLDs are caused by mutations in the gene responsible for producing the enzyme arylsulfatase A (ASA), which is required for the breakdown of a fatty substance called sulfatide. Due to the deficient or absent ASA enzyme, sulfatides accumulate within the cells of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, leading to the destruction of myelin.
Symptoms of MLDs usually appear in early childhood and may vary depending on the specific subtype of the disorder. Common signs include progressive loss of motor skills, muscle weakness, muscle stiffness, seizures, impaired cognition, behavioral changes, and vision and hearing problems. The disease typically progresses rapidly, and affected individuals often experience loss of previously acquired skills and may become severely disabled or bedridden.
Currently, there is no cure for MLDs. Treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms and providing supportive care. Physical and occupational therapy may help maintain mobility and function, while medications can help control seizures and manage pain. In some cases, bone marrow or stem cell transplantation may be considered as a potential therapeutic option.
In summary, metachromatic leukodystrophies are a group of rare genetic disorders characterized by the breakdown of myelin due to a deficiency of the ASA enzyme. These disorders lead to progressive neurological symptoms and have no cure, with treatment focusing
Common Misspellings for METACHROMATIC LEUKODYSTROPHIES
- netachromatic leukodystrophies
- ketachromatic leukodystrophies
- jetachromatic leukodystrophies
- mwtachromatic leukodystrophies
- mstachromatic leukodystrophies
- mdtachromatic leukodystrophies
- mrtachromatic leukodystrophies
- m4tachromatic leukodystrophies
- m3tachromatic leukodystrophies
- merachromatic leukodystrophies
- mefachromatic leukodystrophies
- megachromatic leukodystrophies
- meyachromatic leukodystrophies
- me6achromatic leukodystrophies
- me5achromatic leukodystrophies
- metzchromatic leukodystrophies
- metschromatic leukodystrophies
- metwchromatic leukodystrophies
- metqchromatic leukodystrophies
- metaxhromatic leukodystrophies
Etymology of METACHROMATIC LEUKODYSTROPHIES
The term "metachromatic leukodystrophies" is a combination of three words: metachromatic, leukodystrophies, and the plural form -s.
1. Metachromatic: The term "metachromatic" comes from the Greek words "meta" meaning "beyond" or "transcending" and "chroma" meaning "color". It refers to a specific characteristic observed in these diseases, where certain molecules show different colors when stained with specific dyes.
2. Leukodystrophies: The term "leukodystrophies" is a combination of two words: "leuko" derived from the Greek word "leukos" meaning "white" and "dystrophies" meaning "abnormalities" or "diseases". It refers to a group of inherited disorders that affect the white matter of the brain, leading to progressive degeneration.
