METACHROMATIC LEUKODYSTROPHY Meaning and
Definition
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Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the central nervous system. It falls under the broader category of leukodystrophies, which are a group of inherited disorders that cause abnormal development or destruction of the myelin sheath, a fatty substance that surrounds and insulates nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.
In MLD, the body is unable to properly break down a substance called sulfatide, which leads to the accumulation of this substance in the brain and other parts of the body. This accumulation ultimately results in the destruction of myelin, leading to the progressive deterioration of motor skills, mental functioning, and other neurological symptoms.
The symptoms of MLD commonly appear in early childhood or infancy and worsen over time. They can include muscle weakness and stiffness, muscle spasms, loss of coordination, seizures, intellectual impairment, and behavioral changes. As the disease progresses, affected individuals may become unable to walk, speak, or eat independently.
MLD is caused by mutations in the ARSA gene, which provides instructions for producing an enzyme called arylsulfatase A. These mutations lead to a deficiency or complete absence of this enzyme, impairing the body's ability to break down sulfatide.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for MLD. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and providing supportive care. Physical and occupational therapy, medications to control symptoms like seizures and muscle spasms, and assistive devices may be used to improve quality of life. In some cases, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be considered to slow the progression of the disease.
Common Misspellings for METACHROMATIC LEUKODYSTROPHY
- netachromatic leukodystrophy
- ketachromatic leukodystrophy
- jetachromatic leukodystrophy
- mwtachromatic leukodystrophy
- mstachromatic leukodystrophy
- mdtachromatic leukodystrophy
- mrtachromatic leukodystrophy
- m4tachromatic leukodystrophy
- m3tachromatic leukodystrophy
- merachromatic leukodystrophy
- mefachromatic leukodystrophy
- megachromatic leukodystrophy
- meyachromatic leukodystrophy
- me6achromatic leukodystrophy
- me5achromatic leukodystrophy
- metzchromatic leukodystrophy
- metschromatic leukodystrophy
- metwchromatic leukodystrophy
- metqchromatic leukodystrophy
- metaxhromatic leukodystrophy
Etymology of METACHROMATIC LEUKODYSTROPHY
The word "Metachromatic Leukodystrophy" is comprised of two main components with their own etymologies:
1. Metachromatic:
- "Meta-" is a prefix derived from Greek, meaning "beyond" or "transcending". It is used to indicate change, transformation, or alteration.
- "Chromatic" comes from the Greek word "chroma", meaning "color". In this context, it refers to the staining properties of certain substances.
- Thus, "Metachromatic" can be understood as a term that signifies a change in color or staining properties.
2. Leukodystrophy:
- "Leuko-" is derived from the Greek word "leukos", meaning "white". It is often used to describe something related to white blood cells or white matter.
