Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
Genes (Basel). 2023 Dec 26;15(1):37. doi: 10.3390/genes15010037.
Fabry Disease (FD) is a rare lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the gene on the X chromosome, leading to a deficiency in α-galactosidase A (AGAL) enzyme activity. This leads to the accumulation of glycosphingolipids, primarily globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), in vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, and nervous system. While FD was initially considered predominantly affecting males, recent studies have uncovered that heterozygous Fabry women, carrying a single mutated gene, can manifest a wide array of clinical symptoms, challenging the notion of asymptomatic carriers. The mechanisms underlying the diverse clinical manifestations in females remain not fully understood due to X-chromosome inactivation (XCI). XCI also known as "lyonization", involves the random inactivation of one of the two X chromosomes. This process is considered a potential factor influencing phenotypic variation. This review delves into the complex landscape of FD in women, discussing its genetic basis, the available biomarkers, clinical manifestations, and the potential impact of XCI on disease severity. Additionally, it highlights the challenges faced by heterozygous Fabry women, both in terms of their disease burden and interactions with healthcare professionals. Current treatment options, including enzyme replacement therapy, are discussed, along with the need for healthcare providers to be well-informed about FD in women, ultimately contributing to improved patient care and quality of life.
法布瑞病(FD)是一种罕见的溶酶体贮积症,由 X 染色体上的基因发生突变引起,导致α-半乳糖苷酶 A(AGAL)酶活性缺乏。这导致糖鞘脂,主要是神经节苷脂Gb3,在肾脏、心脏和神经系统等重要器官中积累。虽然 FD 最初被认为主要影响男性,但最近的研究发现,携带一个突变基因的杂合 Fabry 女性可能会表现出广泛的临床症状,这挑战了无症状携带者的概念。由于 X 染色体失活(XCI),女性中不同临床表现的机制仍不完全清楚。XCI 也称为“里昂化”,涉及两条 X 染色体之一的随机失活。这个过程被认为是影响表型变异的一个潜在因素。这篇综述深入探讨了女性中 FD 的复杂情况,讨论了其遗传基础、可用的生物标志物、临床表现以及 XCI 对疾病严重程度的潜在影响。此外,它还强调了杂合 Fabry 女性所面临的挑战,包括疾病负担和与医疗保健专业人员的相互作用。还讨论了当前的治疗选择,包括酶替代疗法,以及医疗保健提供者需要充分了解女性中的 FD,最终有助于改善患者的护理和生活质量。