Metachromatic leukodystrophy without arylsulfatase A deficiency: a new case of saposin-B deficiency.

Abstract

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative lysosomal disease characterized by accumulation of sulfatides, extensive white matter damage and loss of both cognitive and motor functions. In vivo, the catabolism of sulfatide requires both the enzyme arylsulfatase A and a specific sphingolipid activator protein, saposin-B, encoded by the PSAP gene. Arylsulfatase A activity is deficient in the classical forms of MLD, but exceedingly rare cases of MLD are due to saposin-B deficiency. We report here a detailed clinical, radiological and histological description of a new case in a 2-year-old Italian girl, who presented as a late infantile case of MLD with normal arylsulfatase A activity, urinary excretion of sulfatides and mutations in the PSAP gene.

• Authors: Nicolas Deconinck, Anissa Messaaoui, France Ziereisen, Hazim Kadhim, Yves Sznajer, Karine Pelc, Marie Cécile Nassogne, Marie T Vanier, Bernard Dan
• Journal: European journal of paediatric neurology : EJPN : official journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society (Eur J Paediatr Neurol) Vol. 12 Issue 1 Pg. 46-50 (Jan 2008) ISSN: 1090-3798 [Print] England
• PMID: 17616409 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Saposins
• Cerebroside-Sulfatase

Topics

• Cerebroside-Sulfatase (metabolism)
• Child, Preschool
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic (enzymology, metabolism, pathology)
• Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
• Peripheral Nerves (pathology, ultrastructure)
• Saposins (deficiency)