AMACR
Template:PBB Alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase, also known as AMACR, is a human gene.[1]
The AMACR protein helps to metabolize certain fatty acids within the body. Several studies have suggested that AMACR can be used as a prostate cancer biomarker[2].
AMACR deficiency has recently been discovered. The first documented case was in 2006. It is in a class of disorders called peroxisome biogenesis disorders (PBD) although it is quite different than other peroxisomal disorders and does not share classic Refsum disorder symptoms. It causes an accumulation of pristinic acid, DHCA and EHCA and to a lesser extent VLCFA and phytanic acid. "His condition would have been missed if they hadn't measured the pristinic acid concentration." [3]It can cause mental impairment,confusion, learning difficulties and liver damage. It can be treated by dietary elimination of pristanic and phytanic acid from meats such as beef, lamb, chicken, and dairy products, however compliance to the diet is low due to dietary habits, and loss of weight.[4][5]
References
- ^ "Entrez Gene: AMACR alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase".
- ^ Rubin MA, Bismar TA, Andren O, et al. Decreased {alpha}-methylacyl CoA racemase expression in localized prostate cancer is associated with an increased rate of biochemical recurrence and cancer-specific death. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2005;14:1424–32
- ^ http://www.repository.naturalis.nl/document/33804
- ^ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=gene&part=refsum
- ^ http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1177387-overview
Further reading
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