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Wilson Disease
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Causes of Wilson Disease
Wilson disease is caused by a buildup of copper in the body.
Normally, copper from the diet is filtered out by the liver and released into * bile, which flows out of the body through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
People who have Wilson disease cannot release copper from the liver at a normal rate, due to a mutation of the ATP7B gene. When the copper storage capacity of the liver is exceeded, copper is released into the bloodstream and travels to other organs - including the brain, kidneys, and eyes.
Definitions For This Page - In Alphabetical Order
* Bile
Bile is a liquid made in the liver. Bile ducts are tubes that carry bile out of the liver to the gallbladder and * small intestine. In the intestine, bile helps digest food, fats, and cholesterol.
* Small Intestine
The small intestine is the organ where most digestion occurs. It measures about 22 feet and includes the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. More about Small Intestine.
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References:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
July 2008
digestive.niddk.nih.gov
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