Dunnigan

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Dunnigan is a term that can refer to several different entities, including a town in California, a type of familial partial lipodystrophy, and several notable people. This article will focus on the medical condition known as Dunnigan-type familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD).

Dunnigan-type familial partial lipodystrophy[edit | edit source]

Dunnigan-type familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD), also known as FPLD2, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a loss of fat (lipodystrophy) from the extremities and an abnormal accumulation of fat in other parts of the body, such as the face and neck. This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, meaning that an affected person has a 50% chance of passing the disorder to each of their children.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of Dunnigan-type FPLD typically become apparent during puberty. Affected individuals may experience a loss of subcutaneous fat from the arms, legs, and buttocks, while fat accumulates in the face, neck, and abdomen. Other symptoms can include insulin resistance, diabetes, high levels of triglycerides in the blood (hypertriglyceridemia), and an increased risk of heart disease.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Dunnigan-type FPLD is caused by mutations in the LMNA gene, which provides instructions for making a protein that is an important component of the nuclear envelope. The nuclear envelope surrounds the nucleus in cells and helps regulate the movement of molecules into and out of the nucleus. Mutations in the LMNA gene disrupt the normal structure and function of the nuclear envelope, leading to the characteristic features of Dunnigan-type FPLD.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of Dunnigan-type FPLD is based on the characteristic physical features and can be confirmed by genetic testing for mutations in the LMNA gene.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

There is currently no cure for Dunnigan-type FPLD. Treatment is aimed at managing the symptoms and may include lifestyle modifications, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, and medications to manage diabetes and high triglyceride levels.

See also[edit | edit source]

Dunnigan Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD