Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, MLD
OMIM Link for MLD
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Introduction to MLD
Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) belongs to a family of disorders identified as lysosomal storage diseases. This disorder is characterized by the lysosomal accumulation of sulfated glycolipids, specifically 3-O-sulfogalactosyl-containing glycolipids, as a consequence of defects in the lysosomal hydrolase, arylsulfatase A (ARSA). Because the desulfurating action of ARSA depends on its interaction with one of the sphingolipid activator proteins, specifically saposin B (see the Gaucher disease page for an explanation of the role of the saposins), defects in saposin B can also lead to MLD, although this latter is a very rare occurrence.
3-O-Sulfogalactosylceramide (sulfatide)
The arylsulfatase A gene is a small gene located on chromosome 22q13.31–qter spanning only 3.2 kb. It is composed of 8 exons encoding a 507 amino acid glycoprotein. At least 60 different mutations have been identified in the ARSA gene resulting in MLD. The ultimate severity of the disease is a consequence of how much or how little residual enzyme activity remains in the presence of a given mutation.
Clinical Features of MLD
The major site of 3-O-sulfogalactosy-containing glycolipids is the myelin sheaths of central and peripheral neurons. Because of this location the clinical manifestations of MLD are predominately neurological in nature. Histopathologically, MLD is characterized by demyelination of central and peripheral nerves. The accumulation of sulfated glycolipids in the lysosomes results in the characteristic metachromatic staining of the tissues, hence the derivation of the name of this disease.
There is a wide degree of phenotypic variation in MLD and as such the disorder is divided into late infantile, early juvenile, late juvenile and adult forms. The late infantile form presents by the second year of life (usually between 6 months and 4 years) and leads to early mortality. The juvenile forms manifest between 4 years of age and puberty and the adult form becomes clinically overt at any age after puberty. In all forms of MLD mental regression along with disturbances in walking are the earliest physical symptoms observed. In the childhood forms, quadraparesis, peripheral neuropathy, loss of vision, and loss of speech as well as seizures are the common signs. As the late infantile disease progresses patients can no longer stand and they show clear signs of mental regression. Patients eventually lose all contact with their surroundings enter a decerebrate state and are blind. Death usually occurs within 5 years of the appearance of symptoms of the infantile form of MLD. In the juvenile forms patients show gradual deterioration in scholastic performance, walking becomes difficult and their speech slurs. There are also emotional and behavioral disturbances in these patients. As this form of the disease progresses cerebellar ataxia and spastic paresis develop. Progressive brainstem involvement results in the necessity for a feeding tube. Most patients will die before the age of 20. There is no specific treatment for MLD.
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Michael W. King, Ph.D / IU School of Medicine / miking at iupui.edu
