What is the Difference Between Werner Syndrome and HGPS

The key difference between Werner Syndrome and HGPS is that the onset of Werner syndrome occurs in adolescence, while the onset of HGPS occurs in the first decade of life or childhood.

Progeroid disorders are also known as premature ageing syndromes. They are also commonly known as progeria. Werner Syndrome and HGPS are referred to as progeroid disorders. They are two of the best-characterized premature aging disorders. However, Werner syndrome is the adulthood progeria, whereas HGPS (Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome) is the childhood progeria.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Werner Syndrome
3. What is HGPS
4. Similarities – Werner Syndrome and HGPS
5. Werner Syndrome vs. HGPS in Tabular Form
6. FAQ – Werner Syndrome and HGPS
7. Summary – Werner Syndrome vs. HGPS

What is Werner Syndrome?

Werner Syndrome is a hereditary condition associated with premature aging and an increased risk of cancer and other diseases. Mutations (alterations) in the WRN gene are known to cause Werner syndrome. Werner syndrome follows an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Moreover, the signs and symptoms of this condition may include wrinkles and loss of skin firmness, thinning skin, fat loss in the upper layer of the skin, hair graying, distortion and discoloration of the nails, hair loss, skin pigmentation issues, skinny limbs, short stature, prominent eyes, a pronounced nose, and age-related health issues such as cataracts and osteoporosis.

Werner syndrome can be diagnosed through a review of family and symptom history, and molecular genetic testing. Furthermore, there is no exact cure for Werner syndrome. The condition can be managed through surgery for cataracts, regular physical examinations for skin ulcers, diabetes, malignancies, or cardiovascular disease, and surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation for other malignancies.

What is HGPS?

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is an inherited genetic condition characterized by clinical features resembling accelerated aging. This condition appears in childhood. HGPS is an autosomal dominant condition, and it is caused by a mutation in a gene called LMNA gene. Moreover, the symptoms of HGPS include growing more slowly than other children, not gaining weight at the expected rate, and a characteristic facial appearance that includes prominent eyes, a thin nose with a beaked tip, thin lips, a small chin, protruding ears, hair loss, aged-looking skin, joint abnormalities, and a loss of fat under the skin (subcutaneous fat).

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome can be diagnosed through family history, physical appearance, and genetic testing. Furthermore, there is no cure for HGPS. But the condition can be managed by a kind of cancer drug, FTIs (farnesyltransferase inhibitors), drugs and changes to the child’s diet to lower cholesterol or prevent blood clots, a low dose of aspirin every day to prevent heart attacks and stroke, growth hormones that can help build height and weight and FDA approved lonafarnib (Zokinvy) to prevent the buildup of defective progerin that affect the heart.

What are the Similarities Between Werner Syndrome and HGPS?

• Werner Syndrome and HGPS are referred to as progeroid disorders
• Both disorders may have similar premature aging symptoms, such as aged skin, hair loss, slower growth, etc.
• Both disorders can be diagnosed through physical appearance and genetic testing.
• There are no exact cures for both disorders, and can only be managed.

What is the Difference Between Werner Syndrome and HGPS?

The onset of Werner syndrome occurs in adolescence, while the onset of HGPS occurs in the first decade of life or childhood. Thus, this is the key difference between Werner syndrome and HGPS. Furthermore, Werner syndrome is an autosomal recessive condition, while HGPS is an autosomal dominant condition.

The infographic below presents the differences between Werner syndrome and HGPS in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.

FAQ: Werner Syndrome and HGPS

What is another name for progeria syndrome?

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, or HGPS, is another name for progeria syndrome.

What are the two types of progeria?

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome and Werner syndrome are the two types of progeria.

How is Werner syndrome diagnosed?

Werner syndrome can be diagnosed by signs including bilateral ocular cataracts, premature graying and/or thinning of scalp hair, characteristic dermatologic pathology, and short stature.

Summary – Werner Syndrome vs. HGPS

Werner syndrome and HGPS are two very rare inherited disorders. In both conditions, skin changes, indicating premature ageing. However, the onset of Werner syndrome occurs in adolescence, while the onset of HGPS occurs in the first decade of life or childhood. Furthermore, Werner syndrome is caused by mutations in the WRN gene. On the other hand, HGPS is caused by mutations in the LMNA gene. This summarizes the difference between Werner Syndrome and HGPS.

Reference:

1. “Werner Syndrome – an Overview.” ScienceDirect.
2. “Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment.” National Organization for Rare Disorders.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Autorecessive” By en:User:Cburnett – Own work in Inkscape (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Progeria” By See SourceMinor edit by Mikael Häggström – The Cell Nucleus and Aging: Tantalizing Clues and Hopeful Promises. Scaffidi P, Gordon L, Misteli T. PLoS Biology Vol. 3/11/2005, e395 (CC BY 2.5) via Commons Wikimedia