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Description
3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA lyase deficiency (also known as HMG-CoA lyase deficiency) is an uncommon inherited disorder in which the body cannot process a particular protein building block (amino acid) called leucine. Additionally, the disorder prevents the body from making ketones, which are compounds that are used for energy during periods without food (fasting).
The signs and symptoms of HMG-CoA lyase deficiency usually appear within the first year of life. The condition causes episodes of vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, extreme tiredness (lethargy), and weak muscle tone (hypotonia). During an episode, blood sugar (glucose) levels can become dangerously low (hypoglycemia), and a buildup of harmful compounds can cause the blood to become too acidic (metabolic acidosis). If untreated, the disorder can lead to breathing problems, convulsions, coma, and death. Episodes are often triggered by an infection, fasting, strenuous exercise, or other types of stress.
HMG-CoA lyase deficiency is sometimes mistaken for Reye syndrome, a severe disorder that develops in children while they appear to be recovering from viral infections such as chicken pox or flu. Most cases of Reye syndrome are associated with the use of aspirin during these viral infections.
Frequency
HMG-CoA lyase deficiency is a rare condition; it has been reported in fewer than 100 individuals worldwide. Most people diagnosed with this disorder have been from Saudi Arabia, Portugal, or Spain.
Causes
Mutations in the HMGCL gene cause HMG-CoA lyase deficiency. The HMGCL gene provides instructions for making an enzyme known as 3-hydroxymethyl-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A lyase (HMG-CoA lyase). This enzyme plays a critical role in breaking down dietary proteins and fats for energy. Specifically, it is responsible for processing leucine, an amino acid that is part of many proteins. HMG-CoA lyase also produces ketones during the breakdown of fats. Ketones are compounds that certain organs and tissues, particularly the brain, use for energy when the simple sugar glucose is not available. For example, ketones are important sources of energy during periods of fasting.
If a mutation in the HMGCL gene reduces or eliminates the activity of HMG-CoA lyase, the body is unable to process leucine or make ketones properly. When leucine is not processed normally, a buildup of chemical byproducts called organic acids can result in metabolic acidosis. A shortage of ketones often leads to hypoglycemia. Metabolic acidosis and hypoglycemia can damage cells, particularly in the brain, resulting in serious illness in children with HMG-CoA lyase deficiency.
Inheritance
This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition.
Other Names for This Condition
- 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A lyase deficiency
- 3-OH 3-CH3 glutaric aciduria
- 3-OH 3-methyl glutaric aciduria
- 3HMG
- Deficiency of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA lyase
- HMG
- HMG-CoA lyase deficiency
- Hydroxymethylglutaric aciduria
Additional Information & Resources
Genetic Testing Information
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center
Patient Support and Advocacy Resources
Clinical Trials
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
Scientific Articles on PubMed
References
- Bischof F, Nagele T, Wanders RJ, Trefz FK, Melms A. 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA lyase deficiency in an adult with leukoencephalopathy. Ann Neurol. 2004 Nov;56(5):727-30. doi: 10.1002/ana.20280. Citation on PubMed
- Casals N, Gomez-Puertas P, Pie J, Mir C, Roca R, Puisac B, Aledo R, Clotet J, Menao S, Serra D, Asins G, Till J, Elias-Jones AC, Cresto JC, Chamoles NA, Abdenur JE, Mayatepek E, Besley G, Valencia A, Hegardt FG. Structural (betaalpha)8 TIM barrel model of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A lyase. J Biol Chem. 2003 Aug 1;278(31):29016-23. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M304276200. Epub 2003 May 13. Citation on PubMed
- Gibson KM, Breuer J, Nyhan WL. 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A lyase deficiency: review of 18 reported patients. Eur J Pediatr. 1988 Dec;148(3):180-6. doi: 10.1007/BF00441397. Citation on PubMed
- Mitchell GA, Ozand PT, Robert MF, Ashmarina L, Roberts J, Gibson KM, Wanders RJ, Wang S, Chevalier I, Plochl E, Miziorko H. HMG CoA lyase deficiency: identification of five causal point mutations in codons 41 and 42, including a frequent Saudi Arabian mutation, R41Q. Am J Hum Genet. 1998 Feb;62(2):295-300. doi: 10.1086/301730. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Pie J, Casals N, Puisac B, Hegardt FG. Molecular basis of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric aciduria. J Physiol Biochem. 2003 Dec;59(4):311-21. doi: 10.1007/BF03179889. Citation on PubMed
- Pie J, Lopez-Vinas E, Puisac B, Menao S, Pie A, Casale C, Ramos FJ, Hegardt FG, Gomez-Puertas P, Casals N. Molecular genetics of HMG-CoA lyase deficiency. Mol Genet Metab. 2007 Nov;92(3):198-209. doi: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2007.06.020. Epub 2007 Aug 9. Citation on PubMed
- Yalcinkaya C, Dincer A, Gunduz E, Ficicioglu C, Kocer N, Aydin A. MRI and MRS in HMG-CoA lyase deficiency. Pediatr Neurol. 1999 May;20(5):375-80. doi: 10.1016/s0887-8994(99)00013-2. Citation on PubMed
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