[Study of the gene of hemochromatosis in first degree relatives of patient with porphyria cutanea tarda].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is characterized by a deficiency of uroprophyrinogen decarboxylase (URO-D). The activity of this enzyme is decreased in the presence of iron-dependent disorders. A relationship between the hepatic hemosiderosis, which is present in most patients with PCT, and the status of the hemochromatosis gene has been observed. Particularly, two mutations of the gene have been described, one of them (Cys282Tyr) is related to the iron overload and might influence on the development of the clinical signs of PCT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

We have measured the transferrin saturation percentage and observed the status of the hemochromatosis gene in a patient diagnosed with PCT and in five of their relatives.

RESULTS:

The proband and one sister had a marked increase of uroporphyrins and iron overload, and both had the mutation Cys282Tyr, which was also present in the mother.

CONCLUSIONS:

This is the first study measuring iron overload and hemochromatosis gene mutations in relatives, and not in patients with PCT. We think that the study of this family justifies the systematic investigation of these parameters in all first degree relatives of patients with PCT, to identify subjects at risk, who can benefit from prophylactic measures and early therapy.

• Authors: J S García-Morillo, J Carneado de la Fuente, P Stiefel García-Junco, M A García-Donas, M F González Escribano, A Núñez-Roldán
• Journal: Medicina clinica (Med Clin (Barc)) Vol. 112 Issue 18 Pg. 699-701 (May 22 1999) ISSN: 0025-7753 [Print] Spain
• Vernacular Title: Estudio del gen de la hemocromatosis en familiares en primer grado de una paciente con porfiria cutánea tarda.
• PMID: 10374203 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• HLA Antigens
• Porphyrins
• Transferrin

Topics

• Adult
• Exons (genetics)
• Female
• HLA Antigens (genetics)
• Hemochromatosis (genetics)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pedigree
• Point Mutation (genetics)
• Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (genetics)
• Porphyrins (blood, urine)
• Transferrin (genetics)