Hunter syndrome, also called Type II mucopolysaccharides, is a rare genetic disorder. According to the data, around 2,000 people with this disease would be around the world. Those who suffer from it have symptoms such as mental retardation, macrocephaly, aggression.

Hunter is a lysosomal disease, which is caused by the deficiency of an enzyme. Specifically, subjects suffer from an L-iduronate-2-sulphatase (I2S) enzyme deficiency. This is due to the catabolism of mucopolysaccharides or GAG. When absent, the substances accumulate in the cells and lead to a progressive deterioration of heart, liver, spleen, bones and brain.

Depending on the severity, Hunter's syndrome is distinct in Form A and Form B. Form A is the most serious and premature, so it usually leads to death within the fifteenth year of life. In many respects it is similar to another illness involving mucopolysaccharides, Huler's disease. Those who suffer from Form A have gross features and bony deformities. It is often of low stature, showing muscle rigidity and mental retardation.

Most of the time, type A Hunter syndrome shows up to 2-4 years. Children show progressive neurological and somatic deterioration. Over time, the symptoms evolve into chronic diarrhea and mucous dysfunction. Most patients die before adolescence

Hunter's B-form B manifests itself later and is less severe, so much so that those who suffer from it almost always come to adulthood. B is linked to carpal tunnel syndrome, joint stiffness, and cervical myelope due to narrowing of the spinal canal. Many patients show discrete corneal opacity and retinal dysfunctions, though less extensive than that of the severe form.

Source: observatoriomalattierare.it

Gulf War syndrome is defined as a set of pathologies affecting veterans of the same conflict. These are diseases that mainly affect the muscular and nervous system, whose cause was still indefinite. A team of American researchers found that the cause lies in some mitochondrial dysfunctions.

Scientists have analyzed the DNA of 28 veterans who took part in the conflict. In particular, they investigated the degree of injury and the number of copies of mitochondrial DNA. This way they measured the degree of mitochondrial damage. They then compared the results with those obtained from a control group.

The mitochondrial genetic material of veterans was 20% more damaged than that of the control group. According to the researchers, this may be the cause of many diseases that have affected these men. Mitochondria are in fact the organelles that produce ATP, a key molecule in energy management within cells.

During the Gulf War, soldiers have been exposed to many toxic substances such as carbamates and organophosphates. Both substances interact with mitochondria, hindering the transfer of electrons along the ATP synthesis chain. This results in increased free radicals, resulting in oxidative stress and damage to tissues and mitochondria.

Source: corriere.it

Gulf War Syndrome is a set of serious illnesses that afflict those who fought during the Gulf War. It includes a wide range of pathologies, with very different symptoms. These include tiredness, headache, joint pain, difficulty digesting, insomnia, memory problems. It is estimated that almost 1 veteran out of 4 suffers.

The diagnosis of Gulf War syndrome occurs when the symptoms occur for 6 months or more. You also need to have a 10% or greater disability. Smoky criteria due to the poor knowledge of this set of disorders.

It is thought that the syndrome is caused by exposure to toxic chemicals. The theory is supported by a series of clinical trials. In one of these, doctors administered high doses of Coenzyme Q. Nearly 80% of subjects showed a marked improvement in most of the symptoms. Improvement was accompanied by an increase in mitochondrial activity.

Gulf War syndrome is likely to be linked to mitochondrial malfunction. Some hypothesize that there may also be genetic predisposition. According to these doctors, in some subjects the cellular detoxification process would be slower. This would facilitate the accumulation of toxic substances over time.

The treatment of Gulf War syndrome is largely symptomatic, although some studies aim to strike the deep causes. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has also proven to be helpful, to help soldiers recover part of their psychological equilibrium. However, some researchers have focused on intranasal insulin to reduce neural inflammation. This type of inflammation is in fact related to exposure to chemicals.

Source: news-medical.ne