complications from Alkaptonuria

Hola broritos,

Hope you guys enjoyed our last blog :) Today we are going to learn something new and more interesting

In my previous post I mentioned that Homogentisic acid(HGA) is toxic to the body and causes three major complications.

So now, lets talk about how HGA causes the three major complications

Lets go bros!!!

The first complication is black urine, and if you’ve been reading our blog, you’ll know it’s because of HGA in the urine. HGA gets readily oxidised when exposed to oxygen from air causing it form a new compound called Benzoquinone acetic acid (BQA). The substance BQA causes the urine to appear black. However, the actual darkening of urine will only occur after several hours and many individuals never observe any change in colour of urine! They are  unaware of their genetic disease until other complications start to appear. How scary is that?!           ````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

Ew! Imagine how terrifying that would be if you saw that in your toilet!

But enough scary thoughts of black urine, look at how cute this little fella is! Awwww :3 Shout out to the awesome Adventure Time!

The second complication is Ochronosis (Bluish black pigmentation of connective tissue). Ochronosis occurs after the age of 30.This is when most individuals will start to recognize that they inherit Alkaptonuria. Brown pigment is observed at the sclera of the eyes. Brown pigment deposition can also happen in the conjunctiva and cornea. Fortunately, the brown pigments will not have any negative impact on the vision. Another organ with pigmentation is the ear helix. A bluish gray pigment can be found at the ear helix.At the same time, the ears may start to calcify. Purple or dark discolouration forms on the hands of the affected patients and pigments can be released through sweat which can stain the clothes.

I’d hate to imagine what his sweaty clothes would be like if he had Alkaptonuria! Yuck! Dx

The third complication is Osteoarthritis. Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints. This complication rises when an affected individual reaches 30-40 years old. Osteoarthritis occur when BQA binds to the bond causing them to be black and brittle. Osteoarthritis begins in the spine, causing the spine to narrow and forcing the it to go through ankylosis spondylitis ( vertebrate of spine fusing together). This limits the spine’s flexion. Afterwards, the osteoarthritis spreads to other part of the body such as knees, shoulders and hips. The bones start to degrade and break into tiny fragments. This is a very painful process and patients usually complain of their bones grinding against one another.
 

“Granny, no! Your arthritis!” *snap* D:

Here’s a fan service to all you Cat lovers ;3

But unfortunately, these are the ONLY the three common complications arising from Alkaptonuria. (So horrible to think there’s more! D:) Other possible complications include heart, kidney and prostate (OUCH!) problems. HGA gets deposited on the valves of the heart causing them to be brittle and black as well.Moreover, it can also weaken and stiffen the blood vessels which increases the risk of heart diseases. This usually affect patients of 60 years of age and above. It can also lead to renal and prostate stones.

For any of you Lord of the Rings fans. I know I am ;)

Thank you, Hope u broritos enjoyed our blog

Peaceout

A&K connection