Lesch-Nyhan syndrome Save

Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (LNS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by hyperuricemia, intellectual disability, and severe behavioral problems, including self-injurious behaviors. The disorder is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT), which is involved in purine metabolism.

LNS is an X-linked recessive disorder, which means it primarily affects males, as females carry two X chromosomes, and a mutation on one chromosome can often be compensated by the normal gene on the other chromosome. The symptoms of LNS usually become apparent in early childhood, with affected children demonstrating developmental delays and intellectual disability. As they grow older, they may develop compulsive self-injurious behaviors, including biting their lips, fingers, or hands, head banging, or picking at their skin.

The underlying cause of LNS is a defect in the HPRT enzyme, which is essential for the salvage of purines. Without this enzyme, the body cannot recycle purines, leading to an accumulation of uric acid in the bloodstream, which can cause gout and kidney stones. The lack of purine recycling also leads to a deficiency of important purine derivatives, which can impact a range of biological processes.

There is currently no cure for LNS, and treatment is mainly supportive and focused on managing the symptoms. Patients with LNS may benefit from medications to control their behavior, including antipsychotics and antidepressants, as well as medications to manage their gout and kidney stones. Early intervention and management of the disorder can help to reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

In some cases, stem cell transplantation has been attempted as a potential cure for LNS, as it can replace the deficient HPRT enzyme with healthy cells. However, the procedure is associated with significant risks and has not been widely adopted as a treatment for LNS.

In conclusion, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects males and is characterized by hyperuricemia, intellectual disability, and self-injurious behaviors. Although there is no cure for the disorder, supportive care and management of symptoms can help improve the quality of life for affected individuals.