4 things to know about Bile Acid Synthesis Disorder (BASD)
Hormones

4 things to know about Bile Acid Synthesis Disorder (BASD)

BASD or Bile Acid Synthesis Disorder is a rare metabolic disorder that results from defects in the production of bile acids in the body. Bile acids are essential chemical compounds secreted in the liver. These are required for the absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins in the intestines. Bile acid synthesis is a process that involves the breakdown and elimination of cholesterol in the body. Bile acid synthesis disorder results in the accumulation of excess bile acids, which lead to a lot of health complications, including organ failure. Read on to know more about BASD. What causes Bile Acid Synthesis Disorder (BASD)? Genetic mutations cause Bile Acid Synthesis Disorder (BASD). The mutations cause improper synthesis of cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid, which are two primary bile acids. These acids are synthesized by the liver. This process involves complex chemical reactions of 27 enzymatic steps inside hepatocytes, which are special liver cells. A specialized protein known as the enzyme is required at each step of the bile acid synthesis. This specific enzyme is produced by a gene associated with a specific bile acid disorder. BASD occurs when there is a mutation of a specific gene that is responsible for decoding a bile acid enzyme.
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6 major causes of goiter
Hormones

6 major causes of goiter

6 major causes of goiter There are several glands in the body, each of which secretes hormones that aid essential bodily functions. Like every other part of the body, even these glands are prone to disorders. One such disorder that arises due to a malfunctioning thyroid gland is called goiter. This condition is characterized by an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. In goiter, the thyroid, which is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, swells abnormally and becomes visible. Goiter is often attributed to the lack of iodine in one’s diet, but there are other underlying health conditions that cause goiter as well. Though goiter is not a life-threatening disease, goiter can make it difficult for the individual to swallow or breathe. Usually, the size of the goiter is what determines whether one needs immediate treatment for the same or they can go about their life as usual. Read on to know more about goiter, as it will come in handy in identifying the disease and seeking timely help for the same. Causes of goiter Though goiter has been attributed to the lack of iodine in our diet, this condition is also caused by other underlying health conditions.
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An overview of growth hormone deficiency
Hormones

An overview of growth hormone deficiency

Our body has many essential components that help the body function normally. One of the many components is the hormones, which are the chemical messengers of the body. They travel to the tissues and organs in the body through the bloodstream. Although they are essential for the body, they work slow and affect different parts of the body over time. Hormones are responsible for several functions like growth and development, metabolism, reproduction, moods, and sexual function. All hormones come from the endocrine glands. There are different types of endocrine glands, that is, pituitary, thymus, thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and pineal gland. A small hormonal change can cause drastic changes in the body. This shows how powerful hormones really are. One of the hormones important for the growth of the human body is called somatotropin or the human growth hormone. It is produced in the pituitary gland and plays an important role in the composition, metabolism, cell repair, and growth of the body. Additionally, the growth hormone also boosts muscle growth and promotes strength and exercise performance. It also helps the body recover from injuries and diseases. On rare occasions, people suffer from a defect where they face a deficiency of growth hormone, called the growth hormone deficiency.
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Understanding the causes and symptoms of hyponatremia
Hormones

Understanding the causes and symptoms of hyponatremia

A common electrolyte disorder, hyponatremia is triggered when the sodium levels in the bloodstream are too low. It is imperative for the bloodstream to contain the right amounts of sodium so as to control the levels of water in and surrounding the body cells. When the proportion is disrupted, the level of water rises in the body and this causes the cells to swell up. The body is then subject to suffering from a plethora of different conditions. While some are mild health conditions, some maybe even life-threatening. Causes Normally, the level of sodium in the blood must be anywhere around 135 to 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). However, when the same drops below 135 mEq/L, it is labeled as hyponatremia. It is essential to understand the different causes that lead to low sodium levels in the body when seeking the best treatment methods. Some of the reasons include: Health conditions – The health problems such as liver disease and kidney conditions can cause a disruption in the way in which the body processes fluids. This then leads to a drop in the levels of sodium. Even chronic diarrhea or vomiting can trigger hyponatremia due to the depletion of fluids in the body.
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