ALECT2 Amyloidosis Review

Amyloidosis is a systemic disease characterized by the abnormal deposition of amyloid proteins in various tissues and organs, leading to disrupted organ function. Amyloids are misfolded proteins that aggregate into fibrils, which accumulate in extracellular spaces and tissues. With the most frequent type of amyloidosis being AL amyloidosis in the United States and AA amyloidosis in developing countries,[1] a relatively rare form (ALECT2) protein amyloidosis was discovered by Benson et al.[2] Based on the case reports published, data shows the disease appears to be more prevalent in regions such as Latin America, especially in Mexico.[3] There are cases reported from Northern India.[4] New studies show (ALECT2) protein amyloidosis is considered the third most common amyloidosis involving the kidneys in the United States, accounting for 2.5%-2.7% of renal amyloidosis cases. Worldwide, ALECT2 was found to be the second most common form of renal amyloidosis among Egyptians and was also reported among Pakistani, Sudanese, and Chinese populations.[5,6] In North America, approximately 90% of the reported cases of ALECT2 amyloidosis occur in older Hispanic adults of Mexican origin.[7] Studies show that ALECT2 amyloidosis is more commonly diagnosed in older individuals, especially those with renal transplants.[8] Although renal involvement is the most frequently reported, a case with hepatic involvement is reported from hispanic origin.[9]