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Alpha1-antitrypsin Deficiency

Alpha1-antitrypsin Deficiency

James K Stoller, Loutfi S Aboussouan

Lancet. 2005 Jun 25-Jul 1;365(9478):2225-36.

PMID: 15978931

Abstract:

Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disorder that affects about one in 2000-5000 individuals. It is clinically characterised by liver disease and early-onset emphysema. Although alpha1 antitrypsin is mainly produced in the liver, its main function is to protect the lung against proteolytic damage from neutrophil elastase. The most frequent mutation that causes severe alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency arises in the SERPINA 1 gene and gives rise to the Z allele. This mutation reduces concentrations in serum of alpha1 antitrypsin by retaining polymerised molecules within hepatocytes: an amount below the serum protective threshold of 11 micromol/L increases risk for emphysema. In addition to the usual treatments for emphysema, infusion of purified alpha1 antitrypsin from pooled human plasma represents a specific treatment and raises the concentrations in serum and epithelial-lining fluid above the protective threshold. Evidence suggests that this approach is safe, slows the decline of lung function, could reduce infection rates, and might enhance survival. However, uncertainty about the cost-effectiveness of this expensive treatment remains.

Chemicals Related in the Paper:

Catalog Number	Product Name	Structure	CAS Number	Price
AP9041923	α1-Antitrypsin from human plasma		9041-92-3	Price

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