Neimann-Pick Diseases: Beyond Lipid Accumulation – Genetic, Diagnostics, and Therapeutic Strategies

Rare genetic disorders are the group of disorders/diseases that occur in such a low count that they are not considered much active market for therapeutics unless encouraged by appropriate incentives and support. They are too rare to be fully investigated and managed by health professionals. Genetic disorders are caused by change in genes and are often serious and complex. Around the world, most affected individuals are found to be children. They can be progressive and might get worse as children grow older. Niemann-Pick diseases (NPD) is one such group of rare genetic diseases that are characterized by unwanted and abnormal accumulation of lipids within the cells. In this review, we discuss the history, genetic basis, clinical manifestations and diagnostic approaches for NPD. We further discuss the pathophysiology of accumulation of lipids and their impact on cellular functions and organ systems and various management strategies.