X-linked hypophosphatemia
Encyclopedia
X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), also called X-linked dominant hypophosphatemic rickets, X-linked vitamin d-resistant rickets or hypophosphatemic vitamin d-resistant rickets (HPDR), is an X-linked dominant
form of rickets
(or osteomalacia
) that differs from most cases of rickets in that ingestion of vitamin D
is relatively ineffective. It can cause bone deformity including short stature and genu varum (bow leggedness). It is associated with a mutation in the PHEX gene sequence (Xp.22) and subsequent inactivity of the PHEX protein. The prevalence of the disease is 1:20000. The leg deformity can be treated with Ilizarov frames and CHAOS surgery.
at location Xp22.2-p22.1. The mutation results in altered (or missing) activity of the PHEX protein, which inactivates hormone-like substances (phosphatonins) that promote phosphate excretion. The resulting excess excretion of phosphate impairs bone mineralization. Biochemically, XLH is recognized by hypophosphatemia
and inappropriately low level of calcitriol
(1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3).
The disorder is inherited in an X-linked dominant
manner. This means the defective gene responsible for the disorder (PHEX) is located on the X chromosome, and only one copy of the defective gene is sufficient to cause the disorder when inherited from a parent who has the disorder. Males are normally hemizygous for the X chromosome, having only one copy. As a result, X-linked dominant disorders usually show higher expressivity
in males than females.
As the X chromosome is one of the sex chromosomes (the other being the Y chromosome
), X-linked inheritance is determined by the gender
of the parent carrying a specific gene and can often seem complex. This is because, typically, female
s have two copies of the X-chromosome and male
s have only one copy. The difference between dominant and recessive inheritance patterns also plays a role in determining the chances of a child inheriting an X-linked disorder from their parentage.
X-linked dominant
X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome. As an inheritance pattern, it is less common than the X-linked recessive type...
form of rickets
Rickets
Rickets is a softening of bones in children due to deficiency or impaired metabolism of vitamin D, magnesium , phosphorus or calcium, potentially leading to fractures and deformity. Rickets is among the most frequent childhood diseases in many developing countries...
(or osteomalacia
Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia is the softening of the bones caused by defective bone mineralization secondary to inadequate amounts of available phosphorus and calcium, or because of overactive resorption of calcium from the bone as a result of hyperparathyroidism...
) that differs from most cases of rickets in that ingestion of vitamin D
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids. In humans, vitamin D is unique both because it functions as a prohormone and because the body can synthesize it when sun exposure is adequate ....
is relatively ineffective. It can cause bone deformity including short stature and genu varum (bow leggedness). It is associated with a mutation in the PHEX gene sequence (Xp.22) and subsequent inactivity of the PHEX protein. The prevalence of the disease is 1:20000. The leg deformity can be treated with Ilizarov frames and CHAOS surgery.
Cause and Genetics
XLH is associated with a mutation in the PHEX gene sequence, located on the human X chromosomeX chromosome
The X chromosome is one of the two sex-determining chromosomes in many animal species, including mammals and is common in both males and females. It is a part of the XY sex-determination system and X0 sex-determination system...
at location Xp22.2-p22.1. The mutation results in altered (or missing) activity of the PHEX protein, which inactivates hormone-like substances (phosphatonins) that promote phosphate excretion. The resulting excess excretion of phosphate impairs bone mineralization. Biochemically, XLH is recognized by hypophosphatemia
Hypophosphatemia
Hypophosphatemia is an electrolyte disturbance in which there is an abnormally low level of phosphate in the blood. The condition has many causes, but is most commonly seen when malnourished patients are given large amounts of carbohydrates, which creates a high phosphorus demand by cells,...
and inappropriately low level of calcitriol
Calcitriol
Calcitriol , also called 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, is the hormonally active form of vitamin D with three hydroxyl groups...
(1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3).
The disorder is inherited in an X-linked dominant
X-linked dominant
X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome. As an inheritance pattern, it is less common than the X-linked recessive type...
manner. This means the defective gene responsible for the disorder (PHEX) is located on the X chromosome, and only one copy of the defective gene is sufficient to cause the disorder when inherited from a parent who has the disorder. Males are normally hemizygous for the X chromosome, having only one copy. As a result, X-linked dominant disorders usually show higher expressivity
Expressivity
Expressivity is a term used in genetics to refer to variations in a phenotype among individuals carrying a particular genotype. The term can be used to characterize qualitatively or quantitatively the extent of phenotypic variation given a particular genotype. The term is analogous to the...
in males than females.
As the X chromosome is one of the sex chromosomes (the other being the Y chromosome
Y chromosome
The Y chromosome is one of the two sex-determining chromosomes in most mammals, including humans. In mammals, it contains the gene SRY, which triggers testis development if present. The human Y chromosome is composed of about 60 million base pairs...
), X-linked inheritance is determined by the gender
Gender
Gender is a range of characteristics used to distinguish between males and females, particularly in the cases of men and women and the masculine and feminine attributes assigned to them. Depending on the context, the discriminating characteristics vary from sex to social role to gender identity...
of the parent carrying a specific gene and can often seem complex. This is because, typically, female
Female
Female is the sex of an organism, or a part of an organism, which produces non-mobile ova .- Defining characteristics :The ova are defined as the larger gametes in a heterogamous reproduction system, while the smaller, usually motile gamete, the spermatozoon, is produced by the male...
s have two copies of the X-chromosome and male
Male
Male refers to the biological sex of an organism, or part of an organism, which produces small mobile gametes, called spermatozoa. Each spermatozoon can fuse with a larger female gamete or ovum, in the process of fertilization...
s have only one copy. The difference between dominant and recessive inheritance patterns also plays a role in determining the chances of a child inheriting an X-linked disorder from their parentage.
External links
- X-linked hypophosphatemia - the PHEX entry in the OMIM
- The PHEXdb - a database of nucleotide variation in the PHEX gene
- The XLH Network Inc. - a worldwide patient support organization