Tangier disease

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S. [2]

Synonyms and keywords: Familial alphalipoprotein deficiency, HDL deficiency - familial, high density lipoprotein deficiency, analphalipoproteinaemia, high density lipoprotein deficiency - type 1, high density lipoprotein deficiency - Tangier type

Overview

Tangier disease is a rare inherited disorder characterized by a severe reduction in the amount of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), often referred to as "good cholesterol" in the bloodstream.

Historical Perspective

Tangier disease (TD) is a genetic disorder of cholesterol transport named for the secluded island of Tangier, located off the coast of Virginia. TD was first identified in a five-year-old inhabitant of the island who had characteristic orange tonsils, very low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) or 'good cholesterol', and an enlarged liver and spleen.

Pathophysiology

High-density lipoproteins are created when a protein in the bloodstream, apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1), combines with cholesterol and phospholipids. The cholesterol and phospholipids used to form HDL originate from inside cells but is transported out of the cell into the blood via the ABCA1 transporter. People with Tangier disease have defective ABCA1 transporters resulting in a greatly reduced ability to transport cholesterol out of their cells, which leads to an accumulation of cholesterol in many body tissues. Reduced blood levels of high-density lipoproteins is sometimes described as hypoalphalipoproteinemia.

Genetics

File:Autorecessive.svg

This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition.

Mutations in the chromosome 9q31 lead to a defective ABCA1 transporter. These mutations prevent the ABCA1 protein from effectively transporting cholesterol and phospholipids out of cells for pickup by ApoA1 in the bloodstream.

This inability to transport cholesterol out of cells leads to a deficiency of high-density lipoproteins in the circulation, which is a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD).

Additionally, the buildup of cholesterol in cells can be toxic, causing cell death or impaired function. These combined factors lead to the signs and symptoms of Tangier disease.

Epidemiology and Demographics

• Tangier disease is a rare disorder with approximately 50 cases identified worldwide.
• This disorder was originally discovered on Tangier Island off the coast of Virginia, but has now been identified in people from many different countries.

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

• Premature atherosclerosis
• Coronary heart disease

Diagnosis

History

• History of similar complaints in any of the family members should be inquired.

Symptoms

• Vision disturbances - due to clouding of the cornea
• Abdominal pain
• Neuropathy - tingling sensation in the fingers, pins and needle sensation, weakness

Physical Examination

Eye

• Hazy cornea

Diffuse hazy opacity of the right cornea in the patient with Tangier disease.

Throat

• Enlarged tonsils that appear orange or yellow.

Abdomen

• Hepatomegaly
• Splenomegaly

Laboratory Findings

• Lipid panel shows
  • Slightly elevated amounts of fat in the blood (mild hypertriglyceridemia)
  • Reduced HDL
  • Low total cholesterol

External links

• Tangier disease at NLM Genetics Home Reference