The NBN Group – Company News

Alpha-1-antitrypsin is a protein normally produced in the liver whose primary function is to protect the lungs. When tissue in the lungs is damaged or infected, the body releases substances to help the lungs heal. An enzyme, known as neutrophil elastase, is produced to help get rid of the damaged cells or bacteria. However, if left unchecked, this enzyme can attack healthy lung tissue as well. The Alpha-1-antitrypsin protein helps to control the enzyme so it does not damage healthy lung tissue.

Some people do not have or make enough Alpha-1-antitrypsin to help protect the lungs. This is known as Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) or Alpha-1. Alpha-1 is a hereditary condition. People who do not have enough Alpha-1 are more likely to get lung disease, such as emphysema. Once diagnosed with emphysema as a result of this condition, adults with Alpha-1 face progressive loss of lung function that can significantly impact everyday life and life expectancy.

Symptoms of Alpha-1 include shortness of breath on exertion, wheezing, and cough. Because wheezing and shortness of breath are common symptoms, Alpha-1 is often misdiagnosed as other chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.

Alpha-1 is widely under diagnosed. Of the 100,000 individuals in the United States estimated to have it, only about 10 percent have been identified. Many times, the symptoms are misdiagnosed as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or even asthma.

Alpha-1 can be detected by a simple test that determines the level of ATT in the blood. The most common signs and symptoms of alpha-1 are:

• The Alpha-1 Foundation is dedicated to providing leadership and resources to increase research, improve health, and result in the worldwide detection of and a cure for Alpha-1. This site contains an excellent explanation of Alpha-1, provides health tips, and offers a free Alpha-1 testing kit.
• The Alpha-1 Association’s goal is to provide support, education, and advocacy for people with Alpha-1, offer information to assist healthcare professionals, and support research on Alpha-1.
• AlphaNet is a not-for-profit health management company providing services exclusively to the Alpha community. Its goals are to help Alphas develop greater independence and control of their health care, promote optimal health and fund compassionate care for Alphas, and support Alpha-1 awareness, detection, and scientific research.