4 things to know about Bile Acid Synthesis Disorder (BASD)

4 things to know about Bile Acid Synthesis Disorder (BASD)

BASD or Bile Acid Synthesis Disorder is a rare metabolic disorder that results from defects in the production of bile acids in the body. Bile acids are essential chemical compounds secreted in the liver. These are required for the absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins in the intestines. Bile acid synthesis is a process that involves the breakdown and elimination of cholesterol in the body. Bile acid synthesis disorder results in the accumulation of excess bile acids, which lead to a lot of health complications, including organ failure. Read on to know more about BASD. What causes Bile Acid Synthesis Disorder (BASD)? Genetic mutations cause Bile Acid Synthesis Disorder (BASD). The mutations cause improper synthesis of cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid, which are two primary bile acids. These acids are synthesized by the liver. This process involves complex chemical reactions of 27 enzymatic steps inside hepatocytes, which are special liver cells. A specialized protein known as the enzyme is required at each step of the bile acid synthesis. This specific enzyme is produced by a gene associated with a specific bile acid disorder. BASD occurs when there is a mutation of a specific gene that is responsible for decoding a bile acid enzyme.
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Causes and symptoms of myelofibrosis

Causes and symptoms of myelofibrosis

Causes and symptoms of myelofibrosis Though the progress in medical science over the years has eradicated major diseases from the face of the earth, there are certain health conditions that are yet to be completely treated. One such ailment that is invincible till date and continues to claim lives is cancer. Cancer can affect any part of the body and is only treatable when it is diagnosed in its earlier stages. One such form of cancer that affects the bone marrow is called myelofibrosis. Myelofibrosis is that type of bone marrow cancer that affects the body’s ability to produce blood cells. In fact, myelofibrosis is a part of a group of conditions called myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), which cause the bone marrow to stop developing and functioning the way it should. This causes fibrous scar tissue. This form of cancer can be primary (occurs on its own) or secondary (occurs due to some other condition that affects the bone marrow). Moreover, the other MPNs can progress and gradually turn into myelofibrosis over a period of time. Causes of myelofibrosis This condition is caused by a genetic mutation in the blood stem cells. It affects the blood stem cells’ ability to replicate and divide into the multiple specialized cells that make up the blood.
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Everything you need to know about preeclampsia

Everything you need to know about preeclampsia

Everything you need to know about preeclampsia A form of pregnancy complication, preeclampsia damages organ systems, typically the liver and kidneys. It is characterized by hypertension, which often begins to act up post 20 weeks of pregnancy. If this condition is left untreated, it can cause some life-threatening consequences for both the mother and the baby. Apart from hypertension, here are some signs and symptoms of preeclampsia: Severe headaches Proteinuria, that is, excessive protein content in the urine Nausea and vomiting Pain in the upper abdomen and under the right side of the ribs Insufficient number of platelets in the blood Vision problems such as sensitivity, blurred vision, or temporary blindness Liver malfunction Fluid buildup in the lungs that causes breathlessness Unusual weight gain and edema, that is, swelling that particularly affects the face and arms Causes of preeclampsia Preeclampsia is a result of multiple factors. Medical researchers believe that it starts in the placenta, an organ that is responsible for nourishing the fetus through the course of pregnancy. In the initial stages of pregnancy, new blood vessels form to ensure that sufficient blood is delivered to the placenta. However, some women develop blood vessels that fail to function efficiently.
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