What is the Difference Between Type I and Type 2 Citrullinemia?

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Type 1 and Type 2 Citrullinemia are two different inherited disorders that affect the urea cycle, a sequence of chemical reactions that take place in liver cells. Both conditions are caused by genetic mutations, but they have distinct characteristics, symptoms, and treatments.

Type 1 Citrullinemia:

  • Caused by a deficiency in the enzyme argininosuccinate synthetase.
  • Results in excess nitrogen, in the form of ammonia, and other toxic substances building up in the blood.
  • Can be life-threatening in many cases.
  • Less commonly, a milder form can develop later in childhood or adulthood, associated with intense headaches, blind spots, and problems with balance and muscle.

Type 2 Citrullinemia:

  • Caused by the absence of a mitochondrial aspartate/glutamate carrier protein.
  • Chiefly affects the nervous system, causing confusion, restlessness, memory loss, abnormal behaviors, seizures, and coma.
  • Most common in the Japanese population, but has also been reported in other populations, including East Asia, the Middle East, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
  • Presents in newborns with neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (NICCD) and, in older children, with failure to thrive and dyslipidemia (FTTDCD).

In summary, Type 1 Citrullinemia is characterized by a deficiency in the enzyme argininosuccinate synthetase, resulting in excess nitrogen and toxic substances in the blood, while Type 2 Citrullinemia is caused by the absence of a mitochondrial aspartate/glutamate carrier protein and primarily affects the nervous system. Both conditions are inherited as autosomal recessive traits.

Comparative Table: Type I vs Type 2 Citrullinemia

Here is a table summarizing the differences between Type I and Type II Citrullinemia:

Feature Type I Citrullinemia (CTLN1) Type II Citrullinemia (CTLN2)
Cause Mutation in the ASS gene Mutation in the SLC25A13 gene
Frequency Rare, with a frequency of about 1:100,000 in Japan Rare, with varying frequencies depending on ethnicity
Symptoms Hyperammonemia, neurologic sequelae, and intellectual disability Recurring episodes of hyperammonemia, neurologic and psychotic symptoms
Age of Onset Varies, with both neonatal acute and milder late-onset forms Presents in newborns with neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (NICCD) and later in older children as failure to thrive and dyslipidemia
Treatment No known method for prevention, but prenatal diagnosis is available Diagnosis involves laboratory testing, including measurement of ammonia levels and enzyme activity

Please note that the information in this table is based on the provided search results and may not be exhaustive.