Type Ia Glycogen Storage Disease 

  • Author: Wayne E Anderson, DO; Chief Editor: George T Griffing, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jan 3, 2012
 

Background

A glycogen storage disease (GSD) is the result of an enzyme defect. These enzymes normally catalyze reactions that ultimately convert glycogen compounds to glucose. Enzyme deficiency results in glycogen accumulation in tissues. In many cases, the defect has systemic consequences, but in some cases, the defect is limited to specific tissues. Most patients experience muscle symptoms, such as weakness and cramps, although certain GSDs manifest as specific syndromes, such as hypoglycemic seizures or cardiomegaly.[1]

The diagram below illustrates metabolic pathways of carbohydrates.

Metabolic pathways of carbohydrates Metabolic pathways of carbohydrates

Although at least 14 unique GSDs are discussed in the literature, the 4 that cause clinically significant muscle weakness are Pompe disease (GSD type II, acid maltase deficiency), Cori disease (GSD type III, debranching enzyme deficiency), McArdle disease (GSD type V, myophosphorylase deficiency), and Tarui disease (GSD type VII, phosphofructokinase deficiency). One form, von Gierke disease (GSD type Ia, glucose-6-phosphatase [G-6-P] deficiency), causes clinically significant end-organ disease with significant morbidity. The remaining GSDs are not benign but are less clinically significant; therefore, the physician should consider the aforementioned GSDs when initially entertaining the diagnosis of a GSD. Interestingly, GSD type 0, which is due to defective glycogen synthase, also is recognized.

These inherited enzyme defects usually present in childhood, although some, such as McArdle disease and Pompe disease, have separate adult-onset forms. In general, GSDs are inherited as autosomal-recessive conditions. Several different mutations have been reported for each disorder.

Unfortunately, no specific treatment or cure exists, although diet therapy may be highly effective at reducing clinical manifestations. In some cases, liver transplantation may abolish biochemical abnormalities. Active research continues.

Diagnosis depends on patient history, physical examination, muscle biopsy, electromyelography, ischemic forearm test, and creatine kinase levels. Biochemical assay for enzyme activity is the method of definitive diagnosis.

G-6-P deficiency is the specific enzyme deficiency in von Gierke disease. GSD type Ib is a similar condition with the defect in the G-6-P transporter protein. A newly described form, GSD type Ic, does not appear to be related to mutations within the transporter protein.

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Pathophysiology

With an enzyme defect, carbohydrate metabolic pathways are blocked and excess glycogen accumulates in affected tissues. Each GSD represents a specific enzyme defect, and each enzyme is in specific, or most, body tissues. As noted above, G-6-P, which is found in the liver and kidney, is the specific enzyme that is deficient in von Gierke disease. Glucose-6-phosphate is an intermediate in the glycogen pathway.

Von Gierke disease is an autosomal-recessive condition. Von Gierke disease may be explained by mutations of the phosphohydrolase catalytic unit gene of the G-6-P complex, unlike GSD type Ib and GSD type Ic.

Deficiency of G-6-P blocks the final steps of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.[2] This results in severe hypoglycemia. Glucose production increases with age, making hypoglycemia less of an issue.

Because glucose cannot leave the hepatocyte phosphorylated, an increase in glycolytic pathway metabolites occurs. These intermediates are metabolized into lactate. Lactate may provide the brain with a ready-to-use energy source. By competing with uric acid, lactate decreases renal clearance, resulting in hyperuricemia. Glucose also is shunted into making more triglycerides, causing an increase in low-density and very low-density lipoproteins.[3]

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Epidemiology

Frequency

International

Herling and colleagues studied the incidence and frequency of inherited metabolic conditions in British Columbia. GSDs are found in 2.3 children per 100,000 births per year.

Mortality/Morbidity

Immediate morbidity arises from hypoglycemic seizures. Serious long-term complications resulting in morbidity and mortality include nephropathy and hepatic adenoma.[4]

Sex

GSDs are autosomal-recessive conditions, with an equal number of males and females being affected.

Age

In general, GSDs present in childhood. Later onset correlates with a less severe form.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Wayne E Anderson, DO  Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine/Neurology, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences; Clinical Faculty in Family Medicine, Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine; Clinical Instructor, Departments of Neurology and Pain Management, California Pacific Medical Center

Wayne E Anderson, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Medical Association, American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics, California Medical Association, and San Francisco Medical Society

Disclosure: Cephalon Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Pfizer Honoraria Speaking and teaching; King Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Forest Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Specialty Editor Board

Barry J Goldstein, MD, PhD  Director, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University

Barry J Goldstein, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American College of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, American Diabetes Association, and Endocrine Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Kent Wehmeier, MD  Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, St Louis University School of Medicine

Kent Wehmeier, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Society of Hypertension, Endocrine Society, and International Society for Clinical Densitometry

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mark Cooper, MBBS, PhD, FRACP  Head, Diabetes & Metabolism Division, Baker Heart Research Institute, Professor of Medicine, Monash University

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

George T Griffing, MD  Professor of Medicine, St Louis University School of Medicine

George T Griffing, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American College of Medical Practice Executives, American College of Physician Executives, American College of Physicians, American Diabetes Association, American Federation for Medical Research, American Heart Association, Central Society for Clinical Research, Endocrine Society, International Society for Clinical Densitometry, and Southern Society for Clinical Investigation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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