The role of alpha-1-antitrypsin protein in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm

Alpha-1-antitrypsin is a potent antiprotease playing an important role in maintaining protease-antiprotease balance. It protects the structures of extracellular matrix against destruction by proteolytic enzymes. Loss of elasticity occurs when increased protease activity is accompanied by qualitative impairment or reduced concentrations of antiproteases. Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is a risk factor for obstructive lung disease, including emphysema, liver and kidney disorders and, less often, follicular panniculitis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (previously Wegener’s granulomatosis). Literature also emphasises the role of AAT in the development of aortic aneurysms, and results of biochemical studies support this theory. Aortic aneurysm is an important clinical problem, unceasingly associated with high mortality. For this reason, it is exceptionally important to identify its risk factors. Studies on the relationship between AAT and development of AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm) have been conducted since the 1990s. Due to the development in molecular diagnostic techniques, new reports on the topic appeared over the last decade.