Journal
Thursday,Nov 5 2009, 01:50:09 AMNovember is Alpha-1 Awareness Month
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, also known as Alpha-1, is an inherited disorder that causes significant reduction in the naturally occurring protein alpha1 antitrypsin (AAT).
Scientists also call this protein Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor (A 1 Pi) because it inhibits not only trypsin but also other enzymes called proteinases.
It is believed that Alpha-1 affects as many as 100,000 people in the United States and similar numbers in Europe. Alpha-1 is most common among Caucasians of Northern European and Iberian descent. It is the most common cause of genetic liver disease in children and genetic emphysema in adults.
Scientists also call this protein Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor (A 1 Pi) because it inhibits not only trypsin but also other enzymes called proteinases.
It is believed that Alpha-1 affects as many as 100,000 people in the United States and similar numbers in Europe. Alpha-1 is most common among Caucasians of Northern European and Iberian descent. It is the most common cause of genetic liver disease in children and genetic emphysema in adults.
Cindy ZZ
California
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