Vitamin B6-responsive ornithine aminotransferase deficiency with a novel mutation G237D

Tohoku J Exp Med. 2005 Apr;205(4):335-42. doi: 10.1620/tjem.205.335.

Abstract

Ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) deficiency (MIM: 258870) is a rare congenital metabolic disorder characterized by gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina. Here, we report a 37-year-old male with gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina who has been treated for 18 years. At the age of 7 years, the patient consulted an ophthalmologist due to progressive loss of vision. A large atrophied area was observed in his retina, and OAT deficiency was suspected. At the age of 19 years, amino acid analysis revealed high serum ornithine levels (1,140 nmol/ml), with the normal range being 40-100 nmol/ml. He was treated with vitamin B(6) 300 mg/day for 6 months, which successfully reduced his serum ornithine levels by 20-30%. For 18 years since, his serum ornithine levels have been maintained with vitamin B(6) medication. There was no further impairment of vision or increase in the atrophied area, as judged by ophthalmoscopic examination. OAT activity was undetected in white blood cells of the patient and was 105% and 45% of normal values in his wife and son, respectively. OAT gene analysis revealed a novel mutation of Gly237Asp in exon 7 (710G > A) in both alleles of the patient, while his son was a heterozygote for the mutation. Notably, this novel mutation is associated with a vitamin B6-responsive phenotype. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment with vitamin B(6) may prevent loss of vision in some patients with OAT deficiency.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amino Acid Substitution
  • Child
  • Female
  • Gyrate Atrophy / genetics*
  • Gyrate Atrophy / metabolism
  • Gyrate Atrophy / physiopathology
  • Gyrate Atrophy / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mutation
  • Ornithine / blood
  • Ornithine-Oxo-Acid Transaminase / deficiency*
  • Ornithine-Oxo-Acid Transaminase / genetics
  • Ornithine-Oxo-Acid Transaminase / metabolism
  • Pedigree
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Vitamin B 6 / metabolism*

Substances

  • Vitamin B 6
  • Ornithine
  • Ornithine-Oxo-Acid Transaminase