Fabry disease: focus on cardiac manifestations and molecular mechanisms

Item Type:	Article
Title:	Fabry disease: focus on cardiac manifestations and molecular mechanisms
Creators Name:	Perrot, A. and Osterziel, K.J. and Beck, M. and Dietz, R. and Kampmann, C.
Abstract:	Pathogenesis: Fabry disease is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency of the enzyme {alpha}-galactosidase A. The enzyme deficiency results in accumulation of glycosphingolipids in the lysosomes n nearly all cell types and tissues leading to a multisystem disease. Manifestations include painful crisis, angiokeratomas, corneal dystrophy, and hypohydrosis. The severe renal, cerebrovascular, and cardiac involvement is predominantly responsible for premature mortality in Fabry patients. The disease is X-linked and manifests primaryly in hemizygous males but also heterozygous females can be affected. Cardiac Involvement is frequent in Fabry disease. Patients develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and valvular abnormalities. Although Fabry disease leads to a complex clinical syndrome, there are studies indicating that manifestations can be limited to the heart. The isolated cardiac variant of Fabry disease seems to be more common than previously thought: around 3–6% of male patients with left ventricular hypertrophy seem to suffer from this disease variant. Enzyme Replacement Therapy: Recent advances in molecular biology and genetic engineering have enabled the devleopment of enzyme replacement therapy in Fabry disease. Results from two independent therapy studies are indeed promising: Infusion of the enzyme preparation seems to be well tolerated and effective in catabolizing the lipid deposits. This enzyme replacement therapy could be one of the first examples for causal treatment of left ventricular hypertrophy. Therefore, early diagnosis of hypertrophy patients with the cardiac variant of Fabry disease is important.
Keywords:	Fabry Disease, Cardiomyopathy, {alpha}-Galactosidase A Deficiency, Enzyme Replacement Therapy, Animals, Cricetinae
Source:	Herz
ISSN:	0340-9937
Volume:	27
Number:	7
Page Range:	699-702
Date:	November 2002
Official Publication:	https://doi.org/10.1007/s00059-002-2429-9
PubMed:	View item in PubMed

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