Mucopolysaccharides

Definition:
A gel-like substance found in body cells, mucous secretions, and synovial fluids.

Information:
When there is a deficiency of enzymes necessary to breakdown mucopolysaccharides, a condition called mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) exists. Mucopolysaccharidoses are a group of genetic disorders that result in excessive accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in body tissues and results in many serious physical disorders.

Usually, this results in various genetic deformities such as skeletal deformities (especially of the face), mental retardation, and decreased life expectancy. Examples of these disorders are: Hunter syndrome, Hurler syndrome, Scheie syndrome, Sanfilippo syndrome, Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome, and Morquio disease.

Review Date: 1/4/2002
Reviewed By: David G. Brooks, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Medical Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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