Purine salvage defects Deficiency of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) leads to which inherited disorder?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Lesch–Nyhan syndrome

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
HGPRT is a key enzyme in the purine salvage pathway, recycling hypoxanthine and guanine to IMP and GMP. Its deficiency disrupts nucleotide balance and elevates uric acid production.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • X-linked recessive inheritance pattern.
  • Clinical triad includes hyperuricemia, neurologic dysfunction, and self-injurious behavior.


Concept / Approach:
Without HGPRT, purine bases are degraded rather than salvaged, increasing uric acid and reducing purine nucleotide availability in certain tissues. The classic syndrome is Lesch–Nyhan.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify pathway: purine salvage via HGPRT.Link deficiency to hallmark signs: gouty tophi, neurologic symptoms, self-mutilation.Select the named disorder: Lesch–Nyhan syndrome.


Verification / Alternative check:
Biochemical assays show absent or reduced HGPRT activity; genetic testing reveals HPRT1 mutations on X chromosome.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Gaucher: glucocerebrosidase deficiency (lysosomal storage), not purine salvage.
  • Ehlers–Danlos: collagen defects.
  • Klinefelter’s: sex chromosome aneuploidy (47,XXY).
  • Marfan: fibrillin-1 mutation.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing gout from overproduction with specific salvage enzyme deficiencies; Lesch–Nyhan is distinct due to neurological features.



Final Answer:
Lesch–Nyhan syndrome

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion