ALECT2 amyloidosis: a new type of systemic amyloid highly prevalent in the Hispanic population.

Overview

Amyloidosis results from extracellular deposition of fibril-forming proteins and currently ~30 different proteins have been found to be amyloidogenic. Recently, a novel type of amyloidosis with a high incidence on Hispanic population has been described to be derived from leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 (ALECT2). The objective of the present article is to raise awareness on the presence of this entity for the medical community in México. ALECT2 is a clinical entity characterized by deposition of the LECT2 protein mainly on liver and kidney. Renal ALECT2 affects elderly Hispanics who present with chronic renal insufficiency and bland urine sediment, not always associated to proteinuria. No treatment guidelines are reported for this disease but support measures including organ transplantation when required are recommended. Further genetic and clinical characterization of this entity is needed to help understanding the mechanisms by which this protein becomes amyloidogenic and how to prevent organ damage related to its deposition.

Revista de investigacion clinica; organo del Hospital de Enfermedades de la Nutricion Journal