h. Porphyrias Have Bizarre Symptoms
Several genetic defects in heme biosynthesis , in liver or erythroid cells, are recognized. All involve the accumulation of porphyrin and/or its precursors and are therefore known as porphyrias ( Greek: porphyra, purple ). Two such defects are know to affect erythroid cell: uroporphyrinogen III synthase deficiency (congenital erythropoietic porphyria) and ferrochelatase deficiency(erythropoietic protoporphyria). The former results in accumulation of uroporphyrinogen l and its decarboxylation product coproporphyrinogen I. Excretion of these compounds colors the urine red,their deposition in the teeth turns them a fluorescent reddish brown, and their accumulation in the skin renders it extremely photosensitive such that it ulcerates and forms disfiquring scars. Increased hair growth is also observed in afflicted individuals such that fine hair may cover much of their faces and extremities these symptoms have prompted speculation that the werewolf legend has a biochemical basis.