Amyloidosis – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments!

Amyloidosis – What it is, Symptoms and Treatments  that many are unaware of. Amyloidosis is a condition where an abnormal protein called amyloid builds up in your tissues and organs. When this happens, it affects their shape and how they work. Amyloidosis is a serious health problem that can lead to fatal organ failure.

What it is : It is a group of diseases that are a consequence of abnormal protein deposits in various tissues of the body. These abnormal proteins are called amyloid. Depending on the structure of the particular amyloid, the protein can accumulate in an isolated tissue or be generalized, affecting numerous organs and tissues.

There are over 30 different amyloid proteins . Each amyloid protein is organized into a structure called a fibril. Fibrils are low molecular weight proteins derived from precursor proteins . Amyloid fibrils can float in blood plasma and deposit in body tissues.

Causes and Types: Many different proteins can lead to the formation of amyloid deposits, but only a few have been linked to significant health problems. The type of protein and where it collects it determines the type of Amyloidosis you have. Amyloid deposits can collect throughout your body or in just one area. There are different types including:

Primary amyloidosis: (AL) systemic. This occurs without a known cause, but has been seen in people with a blood cancer called multiple myeloma. This is the most common type of amyloidosis . “Systemic” means it affects the whole body.

The most commonly affected body parts are the kidney, heart, liver, intestines and certain nerves. AL stands for “amyloid light chains”, which is the type of protein responsible for this type of Amyloidosis .

Secondary amyloidosis: (systemic AA). This is the result of other chronic inflammatory disease such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis , inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), and certain cancers. The most commonly affects the spleen, kidneys, liver, adrenal gland and lymph nodes. AA means Amyloidosis type A proteincauses this type of Amyloidosis .

Dialysis-related amyloidosis: (DRA) . This is more common in older adults and people who have been on dialysis for more than 5 years. This form of amyloidosis is caused by deposits of beta-2 microglobulin that build up in the blood. Deposits can occur in many different tissues, but most commonly affect bones, joints, and tendons.

Familial or hereditary amyloidosis: (AF). This is a rare form that is passed down through families. It is caused by an antimyeloid protein amyloid transthyretin (TTR), which is made in the liver. This protein is responsible for the most common forms ofhereditary amyloidosis .

Senile systemic amyloidosis: (SSA). This is caused by deposits of normal TTR in the heart and other tissues. It occurs more commonly in older men.

Organ-Specific Amyloidosis: This is cause of protein deposits in single organs, including the skin. Although some types of amyloid deposits have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease , the brain is rarely involved insystemic amyloidosis .

Symptoms:  Symptoms are often subtle. They can also vary greatly depending on where the protein is collecting in the body. It is important to note that the symptoms described below could be due to a number of different health issues. Only your doctor can make a diagnosis of Amyloidosis . General symptoms can include:

• Changes in skin color
• clay drums
• Fatigue
• feeling of fullness
• joint pain
• Low red blood cell count (anemia)
• Shortness of breathe
• tongue swelling
• Tingling and numbness in the legs and feet
• Weak hand fist
• Weakness
• Weight loss

Treatments: There is no cure. Your doctor will prescribe treatments to suppress the development of amyloidosis -forming protein and to manage your symptoms . If the amyloidosis is related to another condition, treatment will include targeting that underlying condition. Specific treatment depends on the type of amyloidosis you have and how many organs are affected.