Diagnosing Mucopolysaccharidosis type IV a by the fluorometric assay of N-Acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase activity

摘要

BackgroundMucopolysaccharidosis type IVA, also known as Morquio A or MPS IV A, is an autosomal recessive disease caused by the deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase (GALNS). The loss of GALNS activity leads to the impaired breakdown of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) keratan sulfate and chondroitin-6-sulfate. The accumulation of GAGs results in multiple organ damage. The accurate and early diagnosis of this disorder helps enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. The present study uses a pre-designed protocol for testing GALNS activity in the leukocytes of Iranian patients with MPS IV A and their parents and compares it with healthy controls.