The purpose of this brochure is to provide readers a thorough understanding of amyloidosis. It is designed for people working in the health industry, as well as professionals in a variety of medical professions and medical students. We shall examine the disease's history, different forms and pathologies, and the significance of early diagnosis, available treatments, and developing therapies throughout the course of the next pages.
The disorder known as Amyloidosis is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of proteins or their fragments, in different human tissues and organs. The three-dimensional β-pleated sheet structure of these insoluble proteins is mainly maintained by hydrogen bonds forming between carboxyl oxygen atoms and amino acids. This structural configuration encourages their aggregation, which in turn disrupts tissue homeostasis, inflicts damage, and initiates apoptosis. As a result, amyloidosis can present with a wide range of symptoms and problems, contingent upon the organs that are affected.
The Greek terms "amylon," which means starch, and "-osis," which denotes a condition, are the source of the word "amyloidosis". This term recalls the initial notion that, when viewed under a microscope, amyloid deposits resembled starches. The phrase has historical significance in the knowledge of this illness, even though it may not fully describe the nature of amyloid proteins.
The history of Amyloidosis is extensive and marked by important turning points in our comprehension of this intricate illness. The following is a summary of significant discoveries and events related to amyloidosis:
• 1854: During an autopsy, German pathologist Rudolf Virchow finds amyloid deposits in a patient's liver and spleen.
• In 1877, Friedrich Daniel von Recklinghausen provides a description of the amyloid deposits that are present in blood vessel walls.
• 1927: The term "amyloid" was used by Rudolf Virchow to refer to aberrant protein deposits.
• 1939: Research on biochemistry shows that protein makes up the majority of amyloid plaques.
• The 1960s saw improvements in chemical analysis and microscopy that made it possible to examine amyloid protein structures more precisely.
The 17th century saw the earliest known case of amyloidosis. After examining a patient in 1674 who had an enlarged spleen, Olaus Rudbeck, a Swedish physician, called the tumor "a splenic tumor full of starch." This preliminary finding established the groundwork for subsequent studies pertaining to amyloidosis.
The process of diagnosing amyloidosis has advanced over time. There are many different diagnostic tools available today, such as:
• Laboratory Tests: Tests on blood and urine can identify abnormal protein levels linked to amyloidosis. Additional testing for thyroid and kidney function may be required.
• Imaging: Techniques such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear imaging, and echocardiography help to visualize amyloid deposits inside organs, which makes it easier to determine the best course of action.
• 1Biopsy: The most reliable method of diagnosing amyloidosis is a tissue biopsy using Congo Red stain. frequently from the bone marrow, the fat beneath the skin, or the afflicted organ. This technique is essential for determining the precise kind of amyloid protein implicated and for verifying the existence of amyloidosis.
Because the symptoms and signs of amyloidosis can resemble those of more common diseases, it is frequently disregarded. In addition, there are various forms of the disease itself, each with unique traits and clinical manifestations.
Click to learn more about the main types of Amyloidosis:
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