Browsing Pathways

Gout, also called Kelley-Seegmiller syndrome, is a condition that is hereditary and causes an excess in the production of uric acid in the body. It is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase. When working properly, this enzyme works to restore purines. These purines are salvaged from degraded DNA and are used towards purine synthesis. When uric acid builds up as it is being overproduced, needle-like crystals are formed and can provoke sudden attacks of pain in the joints, the big toe and in other places around the body. Unlike Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, this condition does not present neurological conditions and can be treated with medication.

Sialuria is caused by mutation in the gene encoding uridinediphosphate-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase (UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerase, which causes an excessive synthesis of sialic acid (N-acetylneuraminic acid, NeuAc). This causes accumulation of sialic acid in the urine. Symptoms of sialuria include hepatosplenomegaly, hypotonia, frequent upper respiratory infections, gastroenteritis and seizures.

Diclofenac (also named Voltaren) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It can be used to treat prostaglandin G/H synthase related fever, swelling, pain and inflammation. Diclofenac can block prostaglandin synthesis by the action of inhibition of prostaglandin G/H synthase 1 and 2. Prostaglandin G/H synthase 1 and 2 catalyze the arachidonic acid to prostaglandin G2, and also catalyze prostaglandin G2 to prostaglandin H2 in the metabolism pathway. Decreased prostaglandin synthesis is caused by presence of diclofenac.

Acetylsalicylic acid, also known as ASA or aspirin, belongs to a class of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, aspirin also acts as an analgesic, antipyretic and antithrombotic agent. Like most other NSAIDs, aspirin exerts its therapeutic effects by inhibiting prostaglandin G/H synthase 1 and 2, better known as cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 or simply COX-1 and -2. COX-1 and -2 catalyze the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin G2 and prostaglandin G2 to prostaglandin H2. Prostaglandin H2 is the precursor to a number of other prostaglandins, such as prostaglandin E2, involved in pain, fever and inflammation. The antipyretic properties of aspirin arise from inhibition of prostaglandin E2 synthesis in the preoptic region of the hypothalamus. Interference with adhesion and migration of granulocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages at sites of inflammation account for its anti-inflammatory effects. The analgesic effects of aspirin likely occur due to peripheral action at the site of injury and possibly within the CNS. Aspirin is unique from other NSAIDs in that it is an irreversible COX inhibitor. Aspirin irreversibly acetylates a serine side chain of COX rendering the enzyme inactive. Enzyme activity can only be regained by production of more cyclooxygenase. This unique property of aspirin and its higher selectivity for COX-1 over COX-2 makes it an effective antiplatelet agent. Platelets contain COX-1, a key enzyme in the production thromboxane A2 (TXA2), which is a potent inducer of platelet aggregation. Since platelets lack the ability to make more enzyme, TXA2 production is inhibited for the lifetime of the platelet (approximately 8 – 12 days). Aspirin is commonly used at low doses to prevent cardiovascular events such as strokes and heart attacks. At higher doses, aspirin may be used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic. Aspirin may cause gastric irritation and bleeding by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins that enhance and maintain the protective gastric mucous layer.

Ketoprofen (also known as (RS)-2-(3-benzoylphenyl)-propionic acid) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhea, and to alleviate moderate pain.. Ketoprofen can block prostaglandin synthesis by the action of inhibition of prostaglandin G/H synthase 1 and 2. Prostaglandin G/H synthase 1 and 2 catalyze the arachidonic acid to prostaglandin G2, and also catalyze prostaglandin G2 to prostaglandin H2 in the metabolism pathway. Because of hypothalamus action, antipyretic effects may occur which will lead to vasodilation, increased peripheral blood flow and subsequent heat dissipation.

Oxaprozin (also named Daypro, Dayrun) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It can be used to relieve pain (analgesic) and reduce fever (antipyretic). Oxaprozin is also a type of ophthalmic anti-inflammatory medicines which may be used to help prevent eye constrict for pupil during surgery. Oxaprozin can block prostaglandin synthesis by the action of inhibition of prostaglandin G/H synthase 1 and 2. Prostaglandin G/H synthase 1 and 2 catalyze the arachidonic acid to prostaglandin G2, and also catalyze prostaglandin G2 to prostaglandin H2 in the metabolism pathway. Since prostaglandin is the messenger molecules in the process of inflammation; hence, inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis can reduce the pain and inflammation.

Trisalicylate-Choline (also named Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It can be used to treat pain and fever. Trisalicylate-Choline can block prostaglandin synthesis by the action of inhibition of prostaglandin G/H synthase 1 and 2. Prostaglandin G/H synthase 1 and 2 catalyze the arachidonic acid to prostaglandin G2, and also catalyze prostaglandin G2 to prostaglandin H2 in the metabolism pathway. Decreased prostaglandin synthesis in many animal model's cell is caused by presence of trisalicylate-choline.

L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria (D-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria ) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by a mutation in the L2HGDH gene which codes for L-2-Hydroxygluarate dehydrogenase. A deficiency in this enzyme results in accumulation of L-2-Hydroxyglutaric acid in plasma, spinal fluid, and urine; and L-lysine in plasma and spinal fluid. Symptoms, which present at birth, include ataxia, hypotonia, mental retardation, and seizures. Premature death often results. D-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria is an autosomal recessive disease caused by a mutation in the D2HGDH gene which does for D-2-Hydroxygluarate dehydrogenase. A deficiency in this enzyme results in accumulation of D-2-Hydroxyglutaric acid in plasma, spinal fluid, and urine; oxoglutaric acid in urine; and gabba-aminobutyric acid in spinal fluid. Symptoms, which present at birth, include ataxia, hypotonia, mental retardation, and seizures. Premature death often results.

Hyperinsulinism-hyperammonemia syndrome (HHS; Glutamate dehydrogenase 1; GLUD1), an inherited condition, is caused by a defect in the GLUD1 gene which codes for mitochondrial glutamate dehydrogenase 1. It is a mitochondrial matrix enzyme, with a key role in the nitrogen and glutamate (Glu) metabolism and the energy homeostasis. An excessive activity of this enzyme results in high insulin and ammonia levels in blood; decrease level of glucose in blood. Symptoms and signs include shakiness, weakness, seizure, rapid pulse and confusion. Maintain normoglycemia is essencial to prevent neurologic damage. Some medications can be used to suppress insulin secretion.

Glycogen storage disease type 1A (GSD1A), or von Gierke disease, is caused by a defect in the G6PC gene which codes for Glucose-6-phosphatase. Glucose-6-phosphatase hydrolyzes glucose-6-phosphate to glucose and is responsible for the regulation of blood glucose level. A defect in this enzyme results in accumulation of glycogen in affected tissues, like liver and kidney; decreased glucose level; and accumulation of lactate. Glycogen storage disease type 1A causes clinically significant end-organ disease with significant morbidity. Usually it presents in childhood. Symptoms include seizures, irritability, pallor, hypotonia, tremors, loss of consciousness, apnea and hepatomegaly. There is no cure for glycogen storage disease type 1A. Diet therapy can help to prevent hypoglycemia and reduce the symptoms. Liver transplantation may be indicated in cases of hepatic malignancy.