Amyloidosis Explained By Beverly Taylor At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Amyloidosis is the accumulation of amyloid deposits in various parts of the body. Amyloids are abnormal fibrous masses of protein that are produced by the cells within the bone marrow. Amyloids can accumulate in any tissue or organ in the body. Amyloidosis is a very rare disease, and it can cause death in the sufferer. It is a disease that can not only cause a diversity of problems from patient to patient, but it can lead to secondary conditions. This can be a painful and frustrating condition to be afflicted with.

Amyloidosis most commonly affects the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system, or gastro-intestinal tract. It afflicts different organs in different people, and has different affects on different people. As a result, there are several different types of amyloids, and different classifications of amyloidosis.

The most common type of amyloidosis is known as Primary Systemic Amyloidosis, and it affects the bone marrow. It is a result of mutations in certain proteins that play such vital roles as clotting the blood (fibrinogen), naturally killing bacteria (lysozyme), and transporting cholesterol to the body’s tissues (Apolipoprotein B). This type of amyloidosis can affect the entire body at once, causing various organs to shut down or fail.

There are types of the disease that affect the liver, and those types are believed to be genetic. Genetically linked types of the disease are known as Familial Amyloidosis. These types of the disease are thought to be caused by a mutation of the transthyretin protein, which is a carrier of Vitamin A in the body. Genetically linked forms of amyloidosis have a high chance of being passed down through offspring. The disease can also be as a result of long-term dialysis in people with kidney disease.

There are many organ-specific forms of amyloidosis, and these varieties can lead to consequential conditions. Type 2 Diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, and even congestive heart failure can occur as a result of the deposition of amyloid proteins.

The true cause of any form of amyloidosis is not known, and a cure has yet to be found. It is known that the deposition of these proteins in the body’s tissue has nothing to do with the amount of protein a person consumes in his or her diet. The symptoms of the disease can be treated with medications, special diets, and alternative therapies, which can help to curtail the production of the amyloid proteins in the body.

It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms (especially if there is a prior history of the disease in the family), and seek medical attention when any symptoms present themselves. The disease can be difficult to diagnose, due to the wide array of signs and symptoms that can occur, and the diversity of the people and specific organs and systems that can be affected. But if symptoms are ignored, or even the diagnosis goes untreated, the conditions that can occur as a result can be painful, and even lead to death.

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