Challenges and Prospects for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Gene Therapy.

Gene therapy for alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency.

Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency is associated with pulmonary emphysema and liver cirrhosis. The pathogenesis and treatment is reviewed with particular emphasis on gene therapy for emphysema. The technology of gene transfer using viruses and liposomes is developing fast and animal experiments have confirmed the feasibility of gene therapy for alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). So far only sub...

Prevalence of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (A1AT) Deficiency among Patients with COPD in Kerman, Iran

Background: One of the genetic risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is deficiency of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (A1AT). There is no exact statistics about the prevalence of this disease in different regions of Iran. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency in COPD patients in Kerman, Iran. Metho...

Class I-restricted T-cell responses to a polymorphic peptide in a gene therapy clinical trial for alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency

Replacement therapy of alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency. Reversal of protease-antiprotease imbalance within the alveolar structures of PiZ subjects.

The emphysema associated with the inherited serum deficiency of alpha 1-antitrypsin appears to result from an imbalance between neutrophil elastase and its major inhibitor within the alveolar structures. In the present study we assessed the feasibility of reversing this biochemical defect within the lung via parenteral replacement therapy with an alpha 1-antitrypsin concentrate of normal plasma...

Key current clinical issues in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a common but under-recognized condition on which respiratory therapists can have a large impact. A key recent development is the issuance of an international evidence-based standards document regarding diagnosis and management of individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. This report summarizes that standards document, which recommends more widespread tes...