Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics
Center for Nephrology and Metabolic Disorders
Cystinosis is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder that presents with a proximal renal tubular damage also called Fanconi syndrome.
Occording to the age of onset, infantile, adolescent and adult forms can be distinguished. The predominant manifestation can be described as nephropathic or non-nephropathic (ocular).
The estimated incidence of cystinosis is one in 100,000–200,000 live births. The incidence peaks 6 per 100,000 in Newfoundland, Canada.[Error: Macro 'ref' doesn't exist]
The kidney manifestation of cystinosis can be summarized as Fanconi syndrome which includes proteinuria (predominantly low- molecular-weight), glucosuria, metabolic acidosis, hyperphospaturia. Furthermore wastage of water and salts including sodium, potassium, and calcium is observed. Finally the disorder develops into progressive renal failure.
The dominating ocular symptom is photophobia beause of cystein crystals accumulating in the cornea.
Cystein deposits can damage other organs too. Endocrine glands, liver, pancreas, and pancreas can become dysfunctional.
Most common is the infantile type which becomes apperent at 6-month of age after normal pregnancy and birth. The first symptoms are rather unspecific lack of appetite and a failure to thrive. Next water wastage and thurst is observed. Later photophobia is the first pathognomonic symptom. If not treated properly rickets and end-stage renal failure develop.
When proteins are catabolized in lyzosomes, cystin is normally carrieed by a transporter to the cytosol where it transformed to cysteine and reutilized for protein synthesis. If the transporter protein is deficient, cystin accumulates and because of its poor solubility crystalizes. Large cystin crystals impair cellular function in many organs.
Cysteamine effectively can be applied to treat the disorder systemically and locally. Cysteamine binds cystin in Lysosomes allowing it to leave the organelle with the help of the lysin transporter. Corneal cystinosis can be treated with cysteamine eye drops.
Redently a new therapeutic approach has been introduced. It allows the transfer healthy lysosomes from transplanted stemm cell via tunneling nano tubes into damaged cells.
| Proximal tubular damage syndrome | |
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Cystinosis is the most common cause of hereditary proximal tubular damage, also called Fanconi syndrome. |
| Renal insufficiency | |
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95% of patient with cystinosis develop renal failure. It starts with 8-12 years of age. |
| Ocular abnormalities | |
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Cystinosis is accompanied by photophobia that results from corneal cystin deposits. Later in life, retinal blindeness may occur in some cases. |
| Nephrocalcinosis | |
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Nephrocalcinosis is relatively common in cystinosis though calculi are rare probably because of alkalization and dilution of the urine. |
| Hypothyroidism | |
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Hypothyroidism is common and presents early in the course of the disease. |
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OMIM.ORG article Omim 219800
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Orphanet article Orphanet ID 213
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Wikipedia article Wikipedia EN (Cystinosis)
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