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Ataxia with vitamin E deficiency
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Ataxia with vitamin E deficiencyOn this page:
Reviewed April 2008
What is ataxia with vitamin E deficiency?Ataxia with vitamin E deficiency is a disorder that impairs the body's ability to use vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells in the body from the damaging effects of unstable molecules called free radicals. Lack of vitamin E causes neurological problems, such as difficulty coordinating movements (ataxia) and speech (dysarthria), loss of reflexes in the legs (lower limb areflexia), and a loss of sensation in the extremities (peripheral neuropathy). A few people with this condition have developed an eye disorder called retinitis pigmentosa that causes vision loss. Most people who have ataxia with vitamin E deficiency start to experience problems with movement between the age of 4 years and 18 years. The movement problems tend to worsen with age. How common is ataxia with vitamin E deficiency?Ataxia with vitamin E deficiency is a rare condition; however, its prevalence is unknown. What genes are related to ataxia with vitamin E deficiency?Mutations in the TTPA gene cause ataxia with vitamin E deficiency. The TTPA gene provides instructions for making the α-tocopherol transfer protein (αTTP), which is found in the liver and brain. This protein controls the distribution of vitamin E obtained from the diet (also called α-tocopherol) to cells and tissues throughout the body. Cells neutralize free radicals with the aid of vitamin E, which prevents damage to the cell. Mutations in the TTPA gene impair the activity of the αTTP protein, resulting in an inability to retain and use dietary vitamin E. This deficiency leads to accumulation of free radicals within cells. Nerve cells (neurons) in the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of free radicals and die off when they are deprived of vitamin E. Nerve cell damage can lead to problems with movement and other features of ataxia with vitamin E deficiency. Read more about the TTPA gene. How do people inherit ataxia with vitamin E deficiency?This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition. Where can I find information about diagnosis or management of ataxia with vitamin E deficiency?These resources address the diagnosis or management of ataxia with vitamin E deficiency and may include treatment providers.
You might also find information on the diagnosis or management of ataxia with vitamin E deficiency in Educational resources and Patient support. General information about the diagnosis and management of genetic conditions is available in the Handbook. To locate a healthcare provider, see How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook. Where can I find additional information about ataxia with vitamin E deficiency?You may find the following resources about ataxia with vitamin E deficiency helpful. These materials are written for the general public.
You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for healthcare professionals and researchers.
What other names do people use for ataxia with vitamin E deficiency?
For more information about naming genetic conditions, see the Genetics Home Reference Condition Naming Guidelines and How are genetic conditions and genes named? in the Handbook. What if I still have specific questions about ataxia with vitamin E deficiency?Where can I find general information about genetic conditions?The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.
These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful. What glossary definitions help with understanding ataxia with vitamin E deficiency?ataxia ; autosomal ; autosomal recessive ; cell ; central nervous system ; deficiency ; dysarthria ; familial ; free radicals ; gene ; molecule ; mutation ; nerve cell ; nervous system ; neurological ; neuron ; neuropathy ; peripheral ; peripheral neuropathy ; phenotype ; prevalence ; protein ; recessive ; reflex ; sign ; symptom ; tissue ; vitamins You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary. See also Understanding Medical Terminology.
References (7 links)
The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook. |