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Scientists are studying the mechanisms involving lipid buildup and resulting harm to the body. Research funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) focuses on a better understandng of the diseases and on the development of new treatments targeting disease mechanisms. NINDS-funded research on the gangliosidoses is expanding the use of adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivered gene therapy to a larger area of the brain using an animal model of Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff diseases. A related project will study the effectivenss of whole-body AAV therapy in treating the disease.
Scientists are studying the mechanisms involving lipid buildup and resulting harm to the body. Research funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) focuses on a better understandng of the diseases and on the development of new treatments targeting disease mechanisms. NINDS-funded research on the gangliosidoses is expanding the use of adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivered gene therapy to a larger area of the brain using an animal model of Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff diseases. A related project will study the effectivenss of whole-body AAV therapy in treating the disease.
Scientists are studying the mechanisms involving lipid buildup and resulting harm to the body. Research funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) focuses on a better understandng of the diseases and on the development of new treatments targeting disease mechanisms. NINDS-funded research on the gangliosidoses is expanding the use of adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivered gene therapy to a larger area of the brain using an animal model of Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff diseases. A related project will study the effectivenss of whole-body AAV therapy in treating the disease.
The gangliosidoses are a group of inherited metabolic diseases caused by a deficiency of the different proteins needed to break down fatty substances called lipids. Excess buildup of these fatty materials (oils, waxes, steroids, and other compounds) can cause permanent damage in the cells and tissues in the brain and nervous systems, particularly in nerve cells. There are two distinct groups of the gangliosidoses, which affect males and females equally.
The GM1 gangliosidoses are caused by a deficiency of the enzyme beta-galactosidase and has 3 clinical subtypes:
The GM2 gangliosidoses include Tay-Sachs disease and its more severe form, called Sandhoff disease, both of which result from a deficiency of the enzyme beta-hexosaminidase. Symptoms begin by age 6 months and include progressive mental deterioration, cherry-red spots in the retina, marked startle reflex, and seizures. Children with Tay-Sachs may also have dementia, progressive loss of hearing, some paralysis, and difficulty in swallowing that may require a feeding tube. A rarer form of the disorder, which occurs in individuals in their twenties and early thirties, is characterized by an unsteady gait and progressive neurological deterioration. Additional signs of Sandhoff disease include weakness in nerve signaling that causes muscles to contract, early blindness, spasticity, muscle contractions, an abnormally enlarged head, and an enlarged liver and spleen.
The gangliosidoses are a group of inherited metabolic diseases caused by a deficiency of the different proteins needed to break down fatty substances called lipids. Excess buildup of these fatty materials (oils, waxes, steroids, and other compounds) can cause permanent damage in the cells and tissues in the brain and nervous systems, particularly in nerve cells. There are two distinct groups of the gangliosidoses, which affect males and females equally.
The GM1 gangliosidoses are caused by a deficiency of the enzyme beta-galactosidase and has 3 clinical subtypes:
The GM2 gangliosidoses include Tay-Sachs disease and its more severe form, called Sandhoff disease, both of which result from a deficiency of the enzyme beta-hexosaminidase. Symptoms begin by age 6 months and include progressive mental deterioration, cherry-red spots in the retina, marked startle reflex, and seizures. Children with Tay-Sachs may also have dementia, progressive loss of hearing, some paralysis, and difficulty in swallowing that may require a feeding tube. A rarer form of the disorder, which occurs in individuals in their twenties and early thirties, is characterized by an unsteady gait and progressive neurological deterioration. Additional signs of Sandhoff disease include weakness in nerve signaling that causes muscles to contract, early blindness, spasticity, muscle contractions, an abnormally enlarged head, and an enlarged liver and spleen.
No specific treatment exists for the gangliosidoses. Anticonvulsants may initially control seizures. Other supportive treatment includes proper nutrition and hydration, and keeping the airway open. Restricting one's diet does not prevent lipid buildup in cells and tissues.
No specific treatment exists for the gangliosidoses. Anticonvulsants may initially control seizures. Other supportive treatment includes proper nutrition and hydration, and keeping the airway open. Restricting one's diet does not prevent lipid buildup in cells and tissues.
The gangliosidoses are a group of inherited metabolic diseases caused by a deficiency of the different proteins needed to break down fatty substances called lipids. Excess buildup of these fatty materials (oils, waxes, steroids, and other compounds) can cause permanent damage in the cells and tissues in the brain and nervous systems, particularly in nerve cells. There are two distinct groups of the gangliosidoses, which affect males and females equally.
The GM1 gangliosidoses are caused by a deficiency of the enzyme beta-galactosidase and has 3 clinical subtypes:
The GM2 gangliosidoses include Tay-Sachs disease and its more severe form, called Sandhoff disease, both of which result from a deficiency of the enzyme beta-hexosaminidase. Symptoms begin by age 6 months and include progressive mental deterioration, cherry-red spots in the retina, marked startle reflex, and seizures. Children with Tay-Sachs may also have dementia, progressive loss of hearing, some paralysis, and difficulty in swallowing that may require a feeding tube. A rarer form of the disorder, which occurs in individuals in their twenties and early thirties, is characterized by an unsteady gait and progressive neurological deterioration. Additional signs of Sandhoff disease include weakness in nerve signaling that causes muscles to contract, early blindness, spasticity, muscle contractions, an abnormally enlarged head, and an enlarged liver and spleen.
No specific treatment exists for the gangliosidoses. Anticonvulsants may initially control seizures. Other supportive treatment includes proper nutrition and hydration, and keeping the airway open. Restricting one's diet does not prevent lipid buildup in cells and tissues.
Children with early infantile GM1 often die by age 3 from cardiac complications or pneumonia. Children with the early-onset form of Tay-Sachs disease may eventually need a feeding tube and often die by age 4 from recurring infection. Children with Sandhoff disease generally die by age 3 from respiratory infections.
Children with early infantile GM1 often die by age 3 from cardiac complications or pneumonia. Children with the early-onset form of Tay-Sachs disease may eventually need a feeding tube and often die by age 4 from recurring infection. Children with Sandhoff disease generally die by age 3 from respiratory infections.
Children with early infantile GM1 often die by age 3 from cardiac complications or pneumonia. Children with the early-onset form of Tay-Sachs disease may eventually need a feeding tube and often die by age 4 from recurring infection. Children with Sandhoff disease generally die by age 3 from respiratory infections.
The gangliosidoses are a group of inherited metabolic diseases caused by a deficiency of the different proteins needed to break down fatty substances called lipids. Excess buildup of these fatty materials (oils, waxes, steroids, and other compounds) can cause permanent damage in the cells and tissues in the brain and nervous systems, particularly in nerve cells. There are two distinct groups of the gangliosidoses, which affect males and females equally.
The GM1 gangliosidoses are caused by a deficiency of the enzyme beta-galactosidase and has 3 clinical subtypes:
The GM2 gangliosidoses include Tay-Sachs disease and its more severe form, called Sandhoff disease, both of which result from a deficiency of the enzyme beta-hexosaminidase. Symptoms begin by age 6 months and include progressive mental deterioration, cherry-red spots in the retina, marked startle reflex, and seizures. Children with Tay-Sachs may also have dementia, progressive loss of hearing, some paralysis, and difficulty in swallowing that may require a feeding tube. A rarer form of the disorder, which occurs in individuals in their twenties and early thirties, is characterized by an unsteady gait and progressive neurological deterioration. Additional signs of Sandhoff disease include weakness in nerve signaling that causes muscles to contract, early blindness, spasticity, muscle contractions, an abnormally enlarged head, and an enlarged liver and spleen.
No specific treatment exists for the gangliosidoses. Anticonvulsants may initially control seizures. Other supportive treatment includes proper nutrition and hydration, and keeping the airway open. Restricting one's diet does not prevent lipid buildup in cells and tissues.
Children with early infantile GM1 often die by age 3 from cardiac complications or pneumonia. Children with the early-onset form of Tay-Sachs disease may eventually need a feeding tube and often die by age 4 from recurring infection. Children with Sandhoff disease generally die by age 3 from respiratory infections.
Scientists are studying the mechanisms involving lipid buildup and resulting harm to the body. Research funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) focuses on a better understandng of the diseases and on the development of new treatments targeting disease mechanisms. NINDS-funded research on the gangliosidoses is expanding the use of adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivered gene therapy to a larger area of the brain using an animal model of Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff diseases. A related project will study the effectivenss of whole-body AAV therapy in treating the disease.
Lipid storage diseases information compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).