Triosephosphate isomerase deficiency

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Triosephosphate isomerase deficiency
Synonyms Triose phosphate-isomerase deficiency, TPI deficiency
Pronounce
Field Hematology, Neurology, Genetics
Symptoms Hemolytic anemia, neuropathy, developmental delay, cardiomyopathy, recurrent infections
Complications Respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, early death
Onset Infancy or early childhood
Duration Lifelong
Types
Causes Mutations in the TPI1 gene
Risks Family history of the condition
Diagnosis Genetic testing, enzyme assay, blood smear, clinical presentation
Differential diagnosis Pyruvate kinase deficiency, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, metabolic disorders
Prevention Genetic counseling
Treatment Supportive care
Medication Transfusion, antibiotics, experimental enzyme replacement therapy
Prognosis Poor (most cases fatal in early life)
Frequency Extremely rare (<100 known cases worldwide)
Deaths High mortality rate in early childhood


Triosephosphate isomerase deficiency (TPI deficiency) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive disorder that affects glycolysis, the metabolic pathway responsible for breaking down glucose into energy. The condition results from mutations in the TPI1 gene, leading to deficiency of the triosephosphate isomerase enzyme. It is characterized by hemolytic anemia, severe neurological impairment, recurrent infections, and often early childhood death.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

TPI deficiency is classified as a glycolytic enzymopathy, meaning it involves a deficiency of an enzyme in the glycolytic pathway. The triosephosphate isomerase enzyme catalyzes the reversible conversion of dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P), which are intermediates in glycolysis.

In individuals with TPI deficiency, the enzyme's activity is markedly reduced, leading to:

  • Accumulation of DHAP
  • Decreased cellular energy production
  • Increased vulnerability of red blood cells to oxidative stress and premature destruction (hemolysis)
  • Impaired neuromuscular and immune system function

Genetics[edit | edit source]

TPI deficiency is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Affected individuals inherit two defective copies of the TPI1 gene (located on chromosome 12p13). To date, at least thirteen mutations have been identified. These mutations result in either:

Carriers (heterozygotes) typically do not show clinical symptoms, even though they may have lower enzyme activity. It has been suggested that there may be a heterozygote advantage in some populations.

Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Symptoms typically begin in infancy or early childhood and may include:

The disease is progressive and often fatal during the first decade of life.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis is based on:

  • Clinical signs of hemolytic anemia and neurological dysfunction
  • Blood smear showing abnormal erythrocytes
  • Enzyme assay showing low or absent TPI activity in red blood cells
  • Genetic testing confirming mutations in TPI1

Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Conditions with overlapping symptoms may include:

Treatment[edit | edit source]

There is currently no cure for TPI deficiency. Management is supportive and may include:

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

Prognosis is generally poor. Many affected children die before the age of 5–10 years due to complications such as respiratory failure, severe anemia, or infections. However, disease severity can vary depending on the specific mutation(s) involved.

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

TPI deficiency is exceptionally rare, with fewer than 100 documented cases worldwide. It affects both males and females and occurs in all ethnic groups.

See also[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

NIH genetic and rare disease info[edit source]

Triosephosphate isomerase deficiency is a rare disease.



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