Amyloid protein AA, also known as serum amyloid A (SAA), is a specific type of protein that is highly associated with the formation of amyloid fibrils. Amyloid proteins are characterized by their abnormal folding, leading to the formation of insoluble aggregates, known as amyloid fibrils, that deposit in tissues and organs.
Amyloid protein AA is derived from the acute-phase serum protein SAA, which is primarily produced by the liver in response to inflammation or tissue damage. Elevated levels of SAA are seen in various conditions, including chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, and familial Mediterranean fever.
Under normal circumstances, SAA plays a role in immune response modulation and tissue repair. However, in certain conditions, SAA can undergo structural changes due to chronic inflammation, leading to the formation of amyloid fibrils. These fibrils can accumulate in different tissues, including the kidneys, liver, and spleen, impairing their normal functions.
The deposition of amyloid protein AA is a hallmark of a group of disorders collectively referred to as AA amyloidosis. This condition can lead to organ dysfunction, affecting the kidney and other vital organs. Symptoms can vary depending on the affected organs but may include proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome, hepatomegaly, and enlargement of the spleen.
Understanding the role and characteristics of amyloid protein AA is crucial for developing therapeutic interventions and diagnostic methods to manage and detect AA amyloidosis.
