A loss of information on the fifth chromosome leads to impaired blood functioning.
Myelodysplastic syndrome is a group of related disorders of the bone marrow, resulting in the production of insufficient numbers of blood cells. One cause of the condition is missing genetic material on the long arm (the "q" arm) of chromosome five in certain bone marrow cells. This is often called chromosome 5q syndrome, or simply 5q syndrome.
MDS
Myelodysplastic syndrome or MDS results from damage to the DNA of the bone marrow, where blood cells are manufactured. The fifth chromosome contains instructions vital to the production of normal red and white blood cells. When those instructions are lost, the body cannot produce new blood cells at a rate necessary to normal functioning. Because red and white blood cells perform very different jobs, their lack will lead to different problems.
Red Blood Cells
Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the bloodstream, delivering it to the various organs and tissues of the body. A deficiency of red blood cells is called anemia and causes fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath, and learning difficulties. In the case of MDS, where anemia is chronic, doctors may treat it with blood transfusions. Since the body cannot produce enough red blood cells, they must be brought in from the outside.
Leukopenia
A low white blood cell count is called leukopenia. White blood cells perform many crucial functions in the body's immune system, and an insufficent amount of them can be a serious problem. Leukopenia can affect patients in different ways, depending on which specific type of white blood cell is deficient. In the case of MDS, disease-fighting cells are not present in sufficient numbers, and an increased risk of infection results.
Other Dangers
MDS can also lead to thrombocytopenia, an insufficiency of platelets, the structures in the blood responsible for clotting. This can cause even minor cuts to endanger the sufferer and require immediate medical care. About 40 percent of patients with MDS will also develop acute myeloid leukemia, a malignant condition of the bone marrow. In AML, the blood cells the body produces never mature to perform their functions, so a buildup occurs, choking the blood with useless cells.
Causes
The exact causes of the chromosomal damage leading to MDS is not definitely known, but several contributing factors have been identified. Chemicals such as benzene, insecticides and other plant poisons, possibly even a virus, may be responsible. There may be a genetic predisposition to MDS as well. Patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer may develop MDS due to the damaging effects of radiation used in the process.
Tags: blood cells, bone marrow, white blood, blood cell, blood cells, blood cells perform