The Reciprocal Interplay between Infections and Inherited Metabolic Disorders

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Genetics

Background:

• Infections are a primary trigger for acute metabolic derangements and clinical deterioration in inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs).
• The precise molecular mechanisms linking infections and IMDs remain incompletely understood.
• This review synthesizes current knowledge on the multifaceted relationship between infections and IMDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the diverse mechanisms through which infections impact inherited metabolic disorders.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of this under-investigated area of medical research.
• To highlight the clinical significance of understanding infection-IMD interactions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on infections and inherited metabolic disorders.
• Analysis of pathogenetic mechanisms, including immune system function and metabolic pathways.
• Synthesis of pre-clinical evidence on infection-induced metabolic alterations.

Main Results:

• Infections can exacerbate IMDs via compromised immune function due to energy production defects.
• Congenital disorders of glycosylation, affecting protein-attached glycans, represent an additional pathogenetic link.
• Nutritional deficiencies can impair immune response to infections in IMD patients.
• Emerging evidence indicates infections disrupt metabolic pathways, causing further cellular alterations.

Conclusions:

• Infections play a significant role in the clinical course of many inherited metabolic disorders.
• A deeper understanding of infection-IMD interactions is essential for improved patient management.
• Targeted therapeutic strategies may be developed by focusing on these complex relationships.