Dietary Manager Exam Prep

Category - Nutrition Care

Maple-syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an autosomal recessive disorder in infants caused by which of the following? (Choose all that apply.)
  1. The inability to metabolize branched-chain amino acids
  2. Plasma leucine levels exceeding 10 mg/dl
  3. A defect in the gene that controls the activity of alpha-keto acid hydrogenase
  4. None of the above
Explanation
Answers: A and C - Maple-syrup urine disease (MSUD) in an autosomal recessive disorder in infants caused by the inability of the body to metabolize the branched-chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine. The inability to break down branched-chain amino acids is due to a mutation in the gene that controls the activity of the enzyme alpha-keto acid dehyrogenase. Plasma levels of leucine exceeding 10 mg/dl are associated with the symptoms of MSUD, including lethargy, vomiting, and neurologic changes.
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