Mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma deficiency and mtDNA depletion in a child with Alpers' syndrome

Ann Neurol. 1999 Jan;45(1):54-8. doi: 10.1002/1531-8249(199901)45:1<54::aid-art10>3.0.co;2-b.

Abstract

Deficiency of mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma activity was found in a patient with mtDNA depletion and Alpers' syndrome. Metabolic evaluation revealed fasting hypoglycemia, dicarboxylic aciduria, and reduced activity of the electron transport chain in skeletal muscle. The patient died in early childhood of fulminant hepatic failure, refractory epilepsy, lactic acidemia, and coma. mtDNA content was 30% of normal in skeletal muscle and 25% in the liver. The activity of mtDNA polymerase gamma was undetectable.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Ataxia / etiology
  • Biopsy
  • Cerebellar Cortex / enzymology
  • Cerebellar Cortex / pathology
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • DNA Polymerase gamma
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / analysis
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / metabolism*
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / deficiency*
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / metabolism
  • Diffuse Cerebral Sclerosis of Schilder / complications
  • Diffuse Cerebral Sclerosis of Schilder / enzymology*
  • Diffuse Cerebral Sclerosis of Schilder / genetics*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Electron Transport
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis
  • Epilepsy / etiology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Liver Failure / etiology
  • Liver Failure / genetics
  • Liver Failure / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Mitochondria / enzymology
  • Mitochondria / genetics
  • Muscle, Skeletal / enzymology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • DNA Polymerase gamma
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase