Amyloid proteins are abnormal types of protein. They are produced by cells in the bone marrow and when they build up and get deposited in tissues or organs, amyloidosis takes place. The parts of the body most affected by this disease include the gastrointestinal tract, heart, liver, kidneys, spleen and nervous system.
Significance
Amyloidosis is a rare but serious condition that can have debilitating effects. According to the Amyloidosis Foundation, approximately 3,000 people in North America are diagnosed with the disease each year.
Risks
People who are undergoing kidney dialysis have a high risk of developing amyloidosis due to the inability to remove large amounts of protein from the blood. Family history, age and inflammatory diseases like myeloma are also risk factors. Myeloma is a condition where healthy plasma cells divide and form abnormal proteins that damage the organs and bones.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of amyloidosis can take place all over the body, depending on where it has taken hold. Examples of these are swollen ankles and legs, weakness, diarrhea, constipation, difficulty swallowing, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath and an enlarged tongue. When the condition becomes severe, complications like kidney and heart failure can be seen.
Types
Primary amyloidosis is the most common type of amyloidosis and it can affect your blood vessels, skin, tongue, nerves and intestines. Secondary amyloidosis occurs as a result of an inflammatory condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis or a bone infection called "osteomyelitis." Hereditary or "familial" amyloidosis is the rarest form and it runs in families.
Diagnosis
Blood tests are one of the ways to check for amyloidosis. Alkaline phosphatase and high platelets are often markers of the disease. Electrocardiograms are done to see if someone shows symptoms of a heart attack which can indicate amyloidosis. Biopsies can also be done where tissue is removed from the body and analyzed for amyloid proteins.
Prevention/Solution
Unfortunately for amyloidosis sufferers, there is no definite cure available. But there are treatments that can be used to reduce amyloid protein production and help control the symptoms that take place. Medications such as bortezomib, thalidomide and lenalidomide, melphalan and dexamethasone can be prescribed by your doctor. Peripheral blood stem cell transplantation can also be performed. This involves replacing damaged bone marrow with previously collected immature blood cells.
Identification
Even though abnormal proteins are formed with amyloidosis, the amount of protein in the diet is not a factor. Also, there is no link between the development of amyloidosis from stress or occupation; and no preventive measures can be taken to avoid its occurrence.
