MELAS Syndrome
Medical Author: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Medical Editor: Frederick Hecht, M.D., F.A.A.P., F.A.C.M.G.
What is MELAS?
MELAS
is a rare form of dementia. MELAS is an abbreviation that stands for Mitochondrial Encephalopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like episodes.
What causes MELAS?
MELAS syndrome is caused by mutations in the genetic
material (DNA) in the mitochondria. While most of our DNA is in the chromosomes in the cell
nucleus, some of our DNA is in
another important structure called the mitochondrion (plural: mitochondria).
The mitochondria are located outside the nucleus in the cell's cytoplasm. Each
mitochondrion has a chromosome made of DNA that is quite different from the
better known chromosomes in the nucleus. The mitochondrial chromosome is much
smaller; it is round (whereas the chromosomes in the nucleus are normally shaped
like rods); there are many copies of the mitochondrial chromosome in every cell;
and no matter whether we are male or female, we inherit all of our mitochondrial
chromosome from our mother.
Much of the DNA in our mitochondria is used to manufacture proteins involved in the key function of mitochondria -- to produce energy and power the cells in our body.
Next: What are the symptoms of MELAS? »
- Stroke - Learn about strokes symtoms like sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs, confusion, vision problems, problems with walking or coordination, or severe headache.
- Dementia - Learn about the types of dementia, and what causes it, the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this progressive disease.
- Epilepsy (Seizure Disorder) - Learn about epilepsy, or seizure disorder. Causes include head injury, trauma, prenatal injury, poisoning, medications, stroke, heart attacks, alcoholism, infection, and more. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment information is included in the information.
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