CGL (congenital generalized lipodystrophy) is a heterogeneous genetic disorder characterized by almost complete loss of adipose tissue (both metabolic and mechanical adipose depots) and an increase of ectopic fat storage in liver and muscle. Of the four CGL types, BSCL2 (Berardinelli-Seip Congenital lipodystrophy type 2), resulting from mutations in the BSCL2/seipin gene, exhibits the most severe lipodystrophic phenotype.
Furthermore, these patients could suffer dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy due to a cell-autonomous defect in cardiomyocytes.