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Tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency (THBD, BH 4 D) is a rare metabolic disorder that increases the blood levels of phenylalanine.Phenylalanine is an amino acid obtained normally through the diet, but can be harmful if excess levels build up, causing intellectual disability and other serious health problems.
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH 4, THB), also known as sapropterin (INN), [5] [6] is a cofactor of the three aromatic amino acid hydroxylase enzymes, [7] used in the degradation of amino acid phenylalanine and in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), melatonin, dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), epinephrine (adrenaline), and is a cofactor for the ...
Standard phenylalanine concentrations in unaffected persons are about 2-6mg/dl (120–360 μmol/L) phenylalanine concentrations in those with untreated hyperphenylalaninemia can be up to 20 mg/dL (1200 μmol/L). Measurable IQ deficits are often detected as phenylalanine levels approach 10 mg/dL (600 mol/L).
Tyrosine is semi-essential; therefore, it can be synthesized by the animal, but only from phenylalanine. Phenylketonuria, a genetic disorder that occurs as a result of the inability to breakdown phenylalanine, is due to a lack of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. A dietary lack of tryptophan can cause stunted skeletal development. [9]
4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid (4-HPPA) is an intermediate in the metabolism of the amino acid phenylalanine. The aromatic side chain of phenylalanine is hydroxylated by the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase to form tyrosine. The conversion from tyrosine to 4-HPPA is in turn catalyzed by tyrosine aminotransferase. [2]
Tyrosinemia type I is a genetic disorder that disrupts the metabolism of the amino acid tyrosine, resulting in damage primarily to the liver along with the kidneys and peripheral nerves. [1] The inability of cells to process tyrosine can lead to chronic liver damage ending in liver failure , as well as renal disease and rickets .
Inborn errors of metabolism are often referred to as congenital metabolic diseases or inherited metabolic disorders. [2] Another term used to describe these disorders is "enzymopathies". This term was created following the study of biodynamic enzymology , a science based on the study of the enzymes and their products.
The genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) is the inability to metabolize phenylalanine because of a lack of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. Individuals with this disorder are known as "phenylketonurics" and must regulate their intake of phenylalanine. Phenylketonurics often use blood tests to monitor the amount of phenylalanine in their ...