Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0026827 (hypotonia)
 5,860 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Animal and human studies have shown that copper is involved in the function of several enzymes. Studies have also shown that copper is required for infant growth, host defense mechanisms, bone strength, red and white cell maturation, iron transport, cholesterol and glucose metabolism, myocardial contractility, and brain development. Copper deficiency can result in the expression of an inherited defect such as Menkes syndrome or in an acquired condition. Acquired deficiency is mainly a pathology of infants; however, it has been diagnosed also in children and adults. Most cases of copper deficiency have been described in malnourished children. The most constant clinical manifestations of acquired copper deficiency are anemia, neutropenia, and bone abnormalities. Other, less frequent manifestations are hypopigmentation of the hair, hypotonia, impaired growth, increased incidence of infections, alterations of phagocytic capacity of the neutrophils, abnormalities of cholesterol and glucose metabolism, and cardiovascular alterations. Measurements of serum copper and ceruloplasmin concentrations are currently used to evaluate copper status. These indexes are diminished in severe to moderate copper deficiency; however, they are less sensitive to marginal copper deficiency. Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and platelet cytochrome c activities may be more promising indexes for evaluating marginal copper deficiency.
 ...
PMID:Copper as an essential nutrient. 861 66

Menkes syndrome is caused by mutation of ATP7A gene that encode copper-binding membrane protein localized to the trans-Golgi membrane. Mutation of this gene causes defective exportation of copper from the cell. Intracellular accumulation of copper does not reach the toxic state, as copper entering the body is trapped in the intestinal epithelium. Copper requiring enzymes are dysfunction and cause multisystemic manifestations. The authors report a Thai boy 8 months of age who had depigmentation and kinky hair at birth. He developed myoclonic jerk at 3 months of age. He had hypopigmentation of the skin, delayed development, hypotonia, pectus excurvatum, loose skin and joints. He had anemia, very low serum copper and ceruloplasmin. X-ray showed Wormian bone of skull, osteopenia of long bones and generalized brain atrophy. The presented case has similar clinical and laboratory findings to 2 previous reports by Songkla University and Siriraj Hospital. Treatment is not effective due to unavailability of copper- histidinate and the patient already had severe brain damage. Genetic counseling is important to prevent the next offspring. Biochemical and molecular diagnosis are available for confirmation and prenatal diagnosis, but these techniques have limitations in Thailand.
 ...
PMID:Menkes syndrome: a case report. 1685 71

Menkes disease is a rare X-linked recessive disorder caused by impaired copper absorption and transport. Presented here is a case of a 12-week-old male who presented with hypotonia and multiple metaphyseal fractures. Further imaging and workup revealed a diagnosis of Menkes disease. While nonaccidental trauma is a much more common cause of metaphyseal bone fractures, encephalopathy, and subdural hematomas in infants, Menkes syndrome should be considered in the setting of corroborating signs and symptoms, as early diagnosis and treatment can delay progression of the disease.
 ...
PMID:Imaging findings of Menkes disease, a radiographic mimic of abusive trauma. 3119 82