Causes And Types Of Amyloidosis

Different types of Amyloidosis with its causes are:

• AL Amyloidosis (Immunoglobulin Light Chain Amyloidosis)

  Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis is a clonal, nonproliferative plasma cell disorder in which fragments of immunoglobulin light or heavy chain are deposited in tissues. It is the most common type and used to be called primary amyloidosis. AL stands for “amyloid light chains,” which are the type of protein responsible for the condition. It can affect your kidneys, heart, liver, intestines, and nerves.

• AA amyloidosis

  AA amyloidosis, also known as secondary amyloidosis, occurs when serum protein A levels in the bloodstream remain high for a long time. AA means the amyloid type A protein. This can be seen in chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic infections.

• Dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA)

  This is more common in older adults and people who have been on dialysis for more than 5 years. It is caused by deposits of beta-2 microglobulin that build up in the blood. Deposits can build up in many different tissues, but they most commonly affect bones, joints, and tendons.

• Familial, or hereditary, amyloidosis

  It often affects the liver, nerves, heart, and kidneys. Many genetic defects are linked to a higher chance of developing amyloid disease. For example, an abnormal protein like transthyretin (TTR) can be the cause.

• Age-related (senile) systemic amyloidosis

  This is caused by deposits of normal TTR in the heart and other tissues. It happens most commonly in older men.

• Organ-specific amyloidosis

  This causes deposits of amyloid protein in single organs, including the skin (cutaneous amyloidosis).

Amyloidosis can be categorized into different types. They are AL Amyloidosis, AA Amyloidosis, Dialysis-related amyloidosis, Familial, or hereditary, amyloidosis, Age-related (senile) systemic amyloidosis, and Organ-specific amyloidosis.