Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) results from deficiency of branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKAD). The toxic accumulating metabolites are:
- A Phenylalanine and phenylpyruvate
- B Homocysteine and methionine
- C Propionyl-CoA and methylmalonyl-CoA
- D Leucine, isoleucine, and valine along with their respective keto acids ✓
Explanation
BCKAD catalyses oxidative decarboxylation of branched-chain keto acids (alpha-ketoisocaproate from leucine, alpha-keto-beta-methylvalerate from isoleucine, alpha-ketoisovalerate from valine); deficiency causes accumulation of all three BCAAs and their corresponding keto acids, which are neurotoxic and produce the characteristic sweet maple syrup odour in urine. Phenylalanine/phenylpyruvate accumulate in PKU. Homocysteine/methionine in CBS deficiency. Propionyl/methylmalonyl-CoA in propionic and methylmalonic acidaemia.
Reference: Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry, 32nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.