Alexander disease

Alexander disease, also known as fibrinoid leukodystrophy, is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease. It is a rare genetic disorder and mostly affects infants and children, causing developmental delay and changes in physical characteristics.

Cause

Alexander disease is a genetic disorder affecting the midbrain and cerebellum of the central nervous system. It is caused by mutations in the gene for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) that maps to chromosome 17q21. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, such that the child of a parent with the disease has a 50% chance of inheriting the condition, if the parent is heterozygotic. However, most cases arise de novo as the result of sporadic mutations.

Alexander disease belongs to leukodystrophies, a group of diseases that affect the growth or development of the myelin sheath. The destruction of white matter in the brain is accompanied by the formation of fibrous, eosinophilic deposits known as Rosenthal fibers.Rosenthal fibers appear not to be present in healthy people, but occur in specific diseases, like some forms of cancer. The Rosenthal fibers found in Alexander disease do not share the distribution or concentration of other diseases and disorders.

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location on Google Map

Alexandroupoli Airport

Alexandroupoli Airport "Dimokritos" (Greek: Κρατικός Αερολιμένας Αλεξανδρούπολης "Δημόκριτος",Kratikós Aeroliménas Alexandrúpolis "Dimókritos") (IATA: AXD, ICAO: LGAL) is an airport serving Alexandroupoli, Greece (IATA: AXD, ICAO: LGAL). It is located near the village of Apalos, which belongs to the municipality of Alexandroupoli. The airport was built in 1944. In 1955 it became an international airport whereas the current buildings and runway were constructed in 1975. The airport was named after Democritus, the ancient philosopher born in Abdera.