Thymidine and Deoxyuridine Analytes (Plasma)

Plasma Thymidine/Deoxyuridine analyte is used for diagnosis of Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE). Thymidine phosphorylase Enzyme Analysis (ENZ06) may also be used for assessment of Variants of Uncertain Significance (VUS) identified during genetic testing (e.g. Next Generation Sequencing or Capillary Sequencing testing). MNGIE is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding thymidine phosphorylase (TP). The disease is characterized clinically by impaired eye movements, gastrointestinal dysmotility, cachexia, peripheral neuropathy, myopathy and leukoencephalopathy. Molecular genetic studies of MNGIE patients\tissues have revealed multiple deletions, depletion, and site-specific point mutations of mitochrondrial DNA. TP is a cytosolic enzyme required for nucleoside homeostatis. In MNGIE, TP activity is severely reduced and consequently levels of thymidine and deoxyuridine in plasma are dramatically elevated. MNGIE patients may benefit from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.