Chédiak-Higashi Syndrome (CHS)

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Questions and Answers

How does the dysfunction of platelet dense granules in Chédiak-Higashi Syndrome (CHS) contribute to abnormal bleeding?

  • By accelerating the breakdown of fibrin, a key component of blood clots.
  • By impairing platelet aggregation due to abnormally large and dysfunctional granules. (correct)
  • By preventing the activation of the coagulation cascade through the inhibition of thrombin.
  • By increasing the production of clotting factors in the liver.

In Chédiak-Higashi Syndrome (CHS), why are patients more susceptible to infections, particularly those involving Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus?

  • Due to the increased activity of natural killer (NK) cells, causing damage to healthy tissues.
  • Due to an overproduction of white blood cells that leads to immune system exhaustion.
  • Due to defective phagolysosome fusion in neutrophils, which impairs the destruction of engulfed bacteria. (correct)
  • Due to a deficiency in complement proteins, impairing the opsonization of bacteria.

How does misrouting of optic nerve fibers contribute to vision problems in Chédiak-Higashi Syndrome (CHS)?

  • It results in abnormal binocular vision (poor coordination between both eyes). (correct)
  • It causes retinal detachment by weakening the adhesion between the retina and the choroid.
  • It causes cataracts by disrupting the lens protein structure.
  • It leads to increased intraocular pressure, resulting in glaucoma.

How can the disruption of melanin production and distribution in Chédiak-Higashi Syndrome (CHS) lead to foveal hypoplasia and subsequent nystagmus?

<p>Reduced melanin impairs the development of the fovea, leading to poor visual acuity and subsequent involuntary eye movements as the brain struggles to focus. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of melanin in protecting skin cells, and how does its absence increase the risk of skin cancer in individuals with albinism?

<p>Melanin absorbs and scatters UVB light, protecting DNA from damage; its absence increases susceptibility to DNA mutations and skin cancer. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying mechanism by which mutations in the LYST gene lead to the formation of abnormally large lysosomes in cells affected by Chédiak-Higashi syndrome (CHS)?

<p>The mutations disrupt the normal trafficking and fusion of lysosomes, resulting in the formation of giant lysosomes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the accumulation of giant lysosomes in various cell types contribute to the development of organ failure in patients with Chédiak-Higashi syndrome (CHS)?

<p>The dysfunctional lysosomes impair critical cellular processes, leading to energy depletion and cellular dysfunction, ultimately resulting in organ damage. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do melanosomes play in the pathogenesis of albinism associated with Chédiak-Higashi syndrome (CHS)?

<p>Melanosomes are responsible for storing and transporting melanin, and their formation and transport are disrupted in CHS, leading to hypopigmentation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the pathogenesis of Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) differ from that of other forms of albinism that are not associated with leukocyte defects or immune dysfunction?

<p>CHS is characterized by defective lysosomal function affecting melanosome formation and immune cell function, while other forms of albinism primarily involve mutations in genes directly related to melanin production. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) play in the accelerated phase of Chédiak-Higashi syndrome (CHS), and how does it contribute to organ failure and bone marrow failure?

<p>HLH leads to uncontrolled cytokine release and overactive macrophages engulfing healthy blood cells, resulting in systemic inflammation, organ damage, and bone marrow failure. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Chédiak-Higashi Syndrome (CHS) Etiology

Caused by mutations in the LYST gene, which affects lysosomal function, leading to defects in immune cells, platelets, and pigmentation.

Chédiak-Higashi Syndrome (CHS) Epidemiology

An extremely rare genetic disorder, with about 200 reported cases worldwide, inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.

Chédiak-Higashi Syndrome (CHS) Pathogenesis

Dysfunctional lysosomes affect the immune system and pigmentation, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and oculocutaneous albinism.

Albinism

A genetic condition due to mutations in genes responsible for melanin production, leading to light skin, hair, and eyes.

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Melanin's Role

Absorbs and scatters UVB light, protecting DNA from damage, found in melanocytes.

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CHS and Albinism Connection

CHS affects both pigmentation and the immune system due to defective lysosomal function disrupting melanosomes.

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Diagnosis of CHS

Microscopic examination of white blood cells, genetic testing for LYST mutations, and skin or hair bulb biopsy to evaluate melanin presence.

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Treatment Approaches for CHS

Antibiotics, bone marrow transplant, platelet transfusions, tinted glasses, sunscreen, and low-vision aids.

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Melanin

A protein pigment secreted by melanocytes that give skin its color and protects against UV light.

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Epidermis

The outermost skin layer, mainly made of keratinocytes, providing protection.

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Study Notes

Chédiak-Higashi Syndrome (CHS) Overview

  • Caused by mutations in the LYST gene, which regulates lysosomal trafficking
  • Disrupts the function of lysosomes, affecting immune cells, platelets, and pigmentation
  • Extremely rare genetic disorder with about 200 reported cases worldwide
  • Inherited in an autosomal recessive manner (two copies of the mutated gene needed)
  • Untreated children may develop an accelerated phase with abnormal bleeding, infections, and organ failure

Etiology (Cause of CHS)

  • Mutations in the LYST (Lysosomal Trafficking Regulator) gene
  • LYST gene encodes a protein for lysosomal trafficking, crucial for lysosome function
  • Mutations disrupt lysosomal size, structure, and function

Epidemiology (How Common is CHS?)

  • Rare genetic disorder, approximately 200 cases reported worldwide
  • Autosomal recessive inheritance: requires two copies of the mutated gene
  • Accelerated phase if untreated: abnormal bleeding, recurrent infections, organ failure

Pathogenesis (Development of CHS)

  • Impacts the immune system and pigmentation due to dysfunctional lysosomes
  • Compromised immune system leads to high susceptibility to infections
  • Associated with oculocutaneous albinism, causing vision problems, photophobia, and nystagmus
  • Platelet abnormalities result in excessive bruising and bleeding disorders

Accelerated Phase of CHS

  • Abnormal bleeding due to platelet dysfunction
    • Platelets have dysfunctional, large dense granules, impairing aggregation
  • Recurrent infections due to immune dysfunction
    • Defective phagolysosome fusion in neutrophils, impairing pathogen destruction
    • Natural killer (NK) and cytotoxic T cells dysfunction leads to poor viral defense
  • Organ failure due to lysosomal defects
    • Uncontrolled immune cell activation (hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, HLH)
    • HLH: overactive macrophages, cytokine storm, organ infiltration, multi-organ failure

Connection to Oculocutaneous Albinism

  • Melanosomes (responsible for melanin storage) are lysosome-related organelles
  • LYST gene mutations disrupt melanosome formation and transport
  • Leads to hypopigmentation

Understanding Albinism

  • Genetic condition caused by mutations in genes responsible for melanin production
  • Melanin protects against UV radiation in the skin, hair, and eyes
  • Lack of melanin results in light skin, hair, and eyes

Vision Problems due to Albinism

  • Nystagmus (uncontrolled eye movements) due to underdeveloped fovea
  • Amblyopia (lazy eye or poor depth perception) due to misrouting of optic nerve fibers
  • Photophobia (sensitivity to light) due to impaired retinal pigment epithelium

Skin and Albinism

  • Skin layers: Epidermis, Dermis, Hypodermis
  • Melanocytes in the epidermis produce melanin via tyrosine
  • Albinism mutations disrupt melanin production, causing hypopigmentation
  • Melanin absorbs UVB light, protecting DNA
  • Lack of melanin increases the risk of sunburn and skin cancers

CHS and Albinism Relationship

  • CHS is termed "oculocutaneous albinism with leukocyte defect"
  • Defective lysosomal function in CHS disrupts melanosomes
  • Results in albinism-like features: pale skin, light hair, and vision impairments

Diagnosis of CHS and Albinism

  • Based on clinical signs: hypopigmentation, recurrent infections, easy bruising
  • Microscopic examination of white blood cells: looks for giant lysosomes
  • Genetic testing: identifies LYST gene mutations
  • Skin or hair bulb biopsy: evaluates melanin presence

Treatment Approaches for CHS and Albinism

  • Managing immune dysfunction: antibiotics, bone marrow transplant
  • Managing bleeding disorders: platelet transfusions, avoiding injury
  • Managing albinism symptoms: tinted glasses, sunscreen, low-vision aids
  • Potential Future Therapies: gene therapy, enzyme replacement therapy

Treatment Strategies

  • Immune Dysfunction: Managed with antibiotics and bone marrow transplants
  • Bleeding Disorders: Managed with platelet transfusions
  • Albinism Symptoms: Managed with tinted glasses for vision and sunscreen for skin protection

Key Points to Remember

  • CHS results in a compromised immune system and frequent infections
  • Bone marrow transplants can improve immune function
  • Early diagnosis is crucial for managing CHS and improving quality of life

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