How does one get porphyria?
Most porphyrias are inherited. However, one type, Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT), may either be inherited (also referred to as “familial”) or “sporadic” due to various environmental factors. In each type of porphyria there is a deficiency of a specific “enzyme”. These enzymes are involved in the synthesis of “heme”, a substance important to many body functions and are found in large amounts in bone marrow and red blood cells (which contain hemoglobin), and also has an important function in the liver and muscles. The type of porphyria present is determined by which enzyme is deficient; these enzyme deficiencies are usually inherited. Environmental factors, such as drugs, chemicals, diet, and sun exposure can, depending on the type of porphyria, greatly influence the severity of symptoms.
