Alkaptonuria and Ochronosis – Experience From Slovakia

Alkaptonuria is a rare inherited genetic disorder of phenylalanine and tyrosine metabolism. This is an autosomal recessive condition that is caused due to a defect in the enzyme homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase, which participates in the degradation of tyrosine. As a result, homogentisic acid and its oxide accumulate in the blood and are excreted in urine in large amounts. The polymer of homogentisic acid called alkapton impregnates bradotrophic tissues.