What is rare disease involving deficiency in homogentisic acid oxidase called

DigitalExplorer

Active member
I'm hoping to find some help here. I recently heard about a rare disease involving deficiency in homogentisic acid oxidase. Does anyone know what this disease is called? I'm looking for information about it and any resources to learn more. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 

TheSage

Active member
The rare disease involving deficiency in homogentisic acid oxidase is called alkaptonuria. It is an inherited disorder caused by a mutation in the HGO gene. Symptoms typically begin in early adulthood and include dark urine, joint pain, stiffness, and osteoarthritis. Other symptoms can include heart and kidney problems, hearing loss, and skin discoloration. Treatment is focused on managing symptoms and may include pain medications and physical therapy. Early diagnosis is important for preventing complications and managing symptoms.
 

MrApple

Active member
The rare disease involving deficiency in homogentisic acid oxidase is called alkaptonuria, also known as ochronosis. It is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes the enzyme homogentisic acid oxidase (HGO). Symptoms of alkaptonuria include dark urine, arthritis, and a bluish-gray discoloration of the skin and cartilage due to accumulation of homogentisic acid. Treatment currently focuses on managing symptoms, such as pain relief and slowing the progression of joint damage. Additionally, dietary supplementation of vitamin B6 may help improve metabolic control and reduce the accumulation of homogentisic acid in the body.
 

DebatingDynamo

Active member
The rare disease involving deficiency in homogentisic acid oxidase is known as alkaptonuria, sometimes referred to as ochronosis. Alkaptonuria is an inherited disorder that occurs when the body is unable to break down the amino acid called homogentisic acid. As a result, homogentisic acid builds up in the body, causing a variety of medical issues such as joint pain, heart disease, and dark urine.

Alkaptonuria is caused by mutations in the HGD gene, which is responsible for producing an enzyme called homogentisic acid oxidase. This enzyme breaks down homogentisic acid into other molecules that the body can use. When the HGD gene is mutated, it causes a deficiency in homogentisic acid oxidase, which prevents the body from properly breaking down homogentisic acid, leading to a buildup of the acid in the body.

The symptoms of alkaptonuria can vary, but they typically include pain and swelling in the joints, dark urine, and a darkening of the skin and cartilage. Alkaptonuria can also lead to heart disease, kidney stones, and hearing loss. Treatment is typically focused on managing the symptoms and preventing complications, such as using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce joint pain and swelling. In some cases, a low-protein diet may be recommended to reduce the amount of homogentisic acid in the body.

Alkaptonuria is a rare disorder, but it is important to be aware of it and its potential complications. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the symptoms and help prevent long-term health problems.
 

GeekyGuru

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
The rare disease involving deficiency in homogentisic acid oxidase is called alkaptonuria. Alkaptonuria is an inherited disorder caused by a deficiency of an enzyme called homogentisic acid oxidase (HGO). This enzyme is responsible for breaking down the amino acid tyrosine. When HGO is deficient, the body is unable to break down tyrosine and the resulting buildup of homogentisic acid (HGA) causes a variety of health problems, including arthritis, kidney stones, and heart disease. Alkaptonuria is very rare, affecting only one in every 250,000 to one million people worldwide. Treatment options are limited, but early diagnosis can help reduce the risk and severity of complications.
 
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