What disorder prevents cortisol or aldosterone secretion from the adrenal glands?

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The disorder that prevents cortisol or aldosterone secretion from the adrenal glands is congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). This condition is primarily caused by a genetic enzyme deficiency in the steroidogenesis pathway, specifically involving the enzymes that are crucial for producing corticosteroids such as cortisol and aldosterone.

In CAH, the lack of these enzymes disrupts the normal production of adrenal hormones. As a result, the adrenal glands may become enlarged due to increased production of androgens, which the body tries to compensate for the deficiency in cortisol and aldosterone. The consequences can include a cascade of hormonal imbalances, leading to various physiological abnormalities, which may include issues with salt retention (in cases where aldosterone levels are low) and associated health problems.

Other options, while significant in their respective areas, do not affect cortisol or aldosterone secretion from the adrenal glands. Maple syrup urine disease and phenylketonuria are disorders related to metabolic pathways of amino acids, and galactosemia involves the metabolism of galactose, none of which directly involve adrenal function or steroid hormone production.

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