?:definition
|
-
A rare lipoprotein metabolism disorder with biochemical characteristics of an almost complete absence of plasma high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and clinical characteristics of liver, spleen, lymph node and tonsil enlargement along with peripheral neuropathy in children and adolescents and occasionally cardiovascular disease in adults. Approximately 100 cases have been described worldwide. The disease is due to mutations in the ABCA1 gene (9q31) encoding the ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABC1), a cholesterol efflux regulatory protein that is able to orient cellular cholesterol towards the cell surface and to facilitate its transfer towards the core of HDL. Mutations in this gene result in severe deficiency of plasma HDL cholesterol and deposition of cholesteryl and retinyl esters and carotenoids in nonadipose tissues. Transmission is autosomal recessive.
|