Amyloidosis develops when proteins in the body fold incorrectly and begin clumping together. These misfolded proteins form clusters called amyloid deposits or amyloid fibrils that accumulate within organs and tissues. The body has difficulty breaking down and removing these abnormal protein clusters.
When these amyloid Show Full Answer
Amyloidosis develops when proteins in the body fold incorrectly and begin clumping together. These misfolded proteins form clusters called amyloid deposits or amyloid fibrils that accumulate within organs and tissues. The body has difficulty breaking down and removing these abnormal protein clusters.
When these amyloid deposits build up over time, they can cause damage to organs and potentially lead to organ failure if left untreated. While doctors don't always know exactly why the body produces these abnormal proteins, the key issue isn't excess protein itself, but rather the proteins becoming misshapen and clustering together abnormally. Different types of proteins can lead to different forms of amyloidosis. For example, in AL amyloidosis, abnormal plasma cells produce high levels of immunoglobulin light-chain proteins that form amyloid deposits. The condition can be diagnosed through a tissue biopsy, and while there's no cure yet, treatments are available to slow down the formation of new amyloid proteins.
February 27, 2025
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