A Scottish teenager has revealed how his body is unable to store fat due to one of the rarest conditions in the world – which affects just 13 people worldwide.
Dylan Lombard (18 years old) from Glasgow first experienced symptoms of MDP (Mandibular Hypoplasia with Deafness, and Progeroid Features). He was only 18 months old. However, he wasn’t diagnosed until 10 more years later after regular doctor visits.
This condition, which only affects one-in-six-hundred million people around the world, prevents fat tissue from being stored under the skin. It results in tightening the skin and a smaller lower jaw.
Dylan shared: “Growing up, it was really hard to see people staring at me, laughing, and treating me differently. But, as I grew older, I’ve learned not to let that affect me.”
Dylan Lombard (18) from Glasgow, Scotland has shared his story about living with an extremely rare condition that affects only 13 people around the world. His body cannot store fat and he is now unable to store it.
He was just 18 months old when the symptoms of MDP (Mandibular Hypoplasia with Deafness, and Progeroid Features) began to manifest. However, he didn’t get diagnosed until 10 years later after regular visits to doctors (right).
Dylan stated that it was hard growing up because so many people looked at Dylan’s appearance.
MDP syndrome is an extremely rare and complex condition and is only known to affect a handful of people in the world.
Dylan and others were diagnosed with an abnormality at the POLD1 Gene that causes a deficient enzyme essential for DNA replication.
He said: ‘I was born with this condition, but it did not become visible until I was 18 months old.
“My mother saw me lose a lot of weight, and she became very concerned.”
Dylan was born with the rare condition, but it did not become visible until he was 18-months-old (pictured left and right, as a baby)
After his mother saw him lose a lot of weight, she became very concerned and diagnosed the teenager.
MDP syndrome: The extremely rare rare metabolic disorder that prevents fatty tissue from being stored underneath the skin and affects 13 people WORLDWIDE
MDP syndrome is also called mandibular dysfunction with deafness or progeroid features. It’s an uncommon metabolic disorder in which fatty tissue cannot be stored beneath the skin.
Only a small percentage of the population is affected by it.
Research has shown that this may be due to an abnormality in the POLD1 gene, which is located on chromosome 19. This causes an essential enzyme for DNA replication to fail.
Symptoms:
- Mandibular Hypoplasia, a condition that causes a slight lower jaw to swell.
- deafness,
- Tightening the skin
- Lipodystrophy is a decrease in the amount of fat beneath the skin.
- Males have low levels of testosterone
- The long tendons that connect the toes to their fingers can contract causing claw toes, joint stiffness and even a loss of sensation.
In 2013, scientists diagnosed Tom Staniford, one of Britain’s leading para-athletes, with MDP syndrome.
Tom (31 years old) was born normal-weight, and throughout his teenage and childhood, lost every ounce of fat around his eyes and body.
Tom Staniford was 31 years old when he was born. However, despite being normal in weight throughout his youth and childhood, he lost all of the excess fat from his face and limbs.
This condition leaves him without natural cushioning and causes sore feet. He is also at greater risk for breaking bones during a fall.
In 2013, he spoke to MailOnline, saying that despite not being able to identify the cause of his symptoms, it was important to recognize that other sufferers are also affected and can live relatively normal lives.
“What might prove to be crucial is my ability to properly classify myself in competitions, so I’m not at an unfair advantage against other competitors.”
Tom was a student at Exeter and his genetic code was compared to that of three patients who had the exact same symptoms. It was also possible to analyse the DNA of family members.
Andrew Hattersley from the University’s Medical School, who is also a Wellcome Trust Senior Investigator, stated that Tom’s health has been an ongoing mystery for them over many years. While we were able to see some of the symptoms (including the rare case where someone has type 2 diabetes, it was not clear what caused them),
To find the mutation, we had to analyze 30,000,000 base pairs (chemical elements of DNA) from Tom and his relatives. It would have been impossible even years ago.
“It took 10 years for a doctor to diagnose this condition in me after frequent visits due to its obscureness.
“There are 12 people who also have MDP, and we just felt relief when we found out what it was.
Dylan’s condition has caused him to be constantly admired and commented upon by others.
He stated, “I surround myself with people who support and love me because I’m who I am.”
Dylan became aware of the condition as a toddler. Doctors took 10 years to diagnose Dylan’s condition.
Dylan’s condition has caused him to be constantly admired and commented upon by others.
Dylan said that Dylan felt relieved to finally be diagnosed.
Dylan is now passionate about raising awareness of his condition. He uses his platform and his voice to make the case for MDP.
He said, “I believe I’m at a point in my life when I want to really help educate people about me.”
“I am passionate about sharing my story and connecting with people all over the globe.
“When I believe in it, it is a strength that makes me more confident and stronger.”
Dylan has a passion for spreading awareness about his condition.
Dylan stated that he’s at a stage in his life where he wants to educate others about his condition.
Dylan cannot participate in physical activities such as contact sports because of MDP. But he discovered his passion for photography when he was just eleven years old.
Dylan said, “I took some pictures with my smartphone while out walking in the rain. They were truly amazed.”
“They encouraged me take more pictures, and I’ve been taking photos ever since.
“At 15 my mom bought me my first camera. Photography is the best thing I’ve ever done.
He stated that he loves to share his story with others and connect with them from around the globe because it makes him stronger.
MDP means that Dylan is not able to do take part in many physical activities like contact sports, but he managed to find his passion at the age of just 11 in photography (pictured with his photographs)
Dylan draws inspiration from Glasgow, and captures the essence of Glasgow by his perception.
He stated that although the weather is not always perfect, he loves living in Scotland.
“I’m proud to be Glaswegian, and I enjoy showing off what my hometown has to offer.
“When I snap a picture, that photo stays with me forever. That feeling is simply indescribable.”
Teen believes nobody should be afraid to be themselves and is happy doing whatever makes him or her happy.
Dylan draws inspiration from Glasgow, and captures the essence of Glasgow with his senses (pictured here with his camera).
Dylan is a firm believer that everyone, regardless of their status, can be the greatest version of themselves
Dylan is a firm believer that everyone, regardless of their status, can be the best version they can be.
He stated that he was more than my condition and felt it important to tell his story.
“Nobody should ever fear who they really are. Keep doing the things that make you happy.
“Perseverance and perseverance are key. Never give up.”