Journal of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences
Year: 2016, Volume: 6, Issue: 3, Pages: 76-83
Review Article
Mamatha Kunder1, A V M Kutty2*
1. Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry
2. Professor Department of Biochemistry, Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, SDUAHER, Kolar, Karnataka, India
*Corresponding Author
E-mail: [email protected]
Alpha1-antitrypsin (α1-AT) is a natural, endogenous inhibitor of serine proteases with preferential activity towards neutrophil elastase (NE), the enzyme that possess the ability to cleave important connective tissue protein, elastin. The normal circulating concentrations of α1-AT is thus very important to maintain the elasticity of tissues. Severely diminished levels of α1-AT are associated with development of various disease conditions, in particular disorders of lung. This review highlights the biological role of α1-AT and its involvement in diseases. New therapeutic approaches involving α1-AT are also discussed.
Keywords: Alpha1-antitrypsin, Endogenous inhibitor, Neutrophil elastase, Serine protease, Serpin.
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