Hyperprolinemia
Hyperprolinemia | |
---|---|
Other names | Prolinemia, prolinuria |
Proline | |
Specialty | Medical genetics |
Hyperprolinemia is a condition which occurs when the amino acid proline is not broken down properly by the enzymes proline oxidase or pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase, causing a buildup of proline in the body.
Genetics
Mutations in the
Hyperprolinemia type I is caused by a mutation in the PRODH gene, which codes for the enzyme proline oxidase. This enzyme begins the process of degrading proline by starting the reaction that converts it to pyrroline-5-carboxylate.[citation needed]
Hyperprolinemia type II is caused by a mutation in the ALDH4A1 gene, for the enzyme
In about one-third of cases of hyperprolinemia, individuals carrying one copy of an altered PRODH gene have moderately elevated levels of proline in their blood, but these levels do not cause any health problems.[1] Individuals with one altered ALDH4A1 gene have normal levels of proline in their blood.[citation needed]
Diagnosis
Types
Hyperprolinemia type I
It is difficult to determine the prevalence of hyperprolinemia type I, as many people with the condition are asymptomatic.[1] People with hyperprolinemia type I have proline levels in their blood between 3 and 10 times the normal level. Some individuals with type I exhibit seizures, intellectual disability, or other neurological problems.[1]
Hyperprolinemia type II
Hyperprolinemia type II results in proline levels in the blood between 10 and 15 times higher than normal, and high levels of a related compound called
Hyperprolinemia can also occur with other conditions, such as malnutrition or liver disease. In particular, individuals with conditions that cause elevated levels of lactic acid in the blood, such as lactic acidemia, are likely to have elevated proline levels, because lactic acid inhibits the breakdown of proline.[1]
Treatment
Dietary restriction of proline intake.[3] Some findings also support vitamin D supplementation in patients with elevated proline.[4] Long-term vitamin B6 supplementation may prevent a risk of seizures in the case of hyperprolinaemia II. The strong oxidative stress was detected in the brain tissue from rats with hyperprolinemia, thefore antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and glutathione may be effective therapeutic agents in this disorder and should be used for hyperprolinemia in patients as soon as possible. [5]
Research
A 2005 study on rats suggested that hyperprolinemia causes cognitive dysfunction.[6]
See also
- List of amino acid metabolism disorders
- Inborn error of metabolism