X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy: biochemical diagnosis and enzyme defect.

The adrenoleukodystrophies refer to three genetically distinct disorders all characterized by the accumulation of very long-chain fatty acids. In this paper we will review the biochemical aspects of these leukodystrophies with particular emphasis on the methods used to measure very long-chain fatty acid levels in plasma and their reliability. Furthermore, we will concentrate on the primary defect in the X-linked form of adrenoleukodystrophy.