Year: 2023
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 amyloidosis (ALECT2) is a recently discovered amyloidosis generally characterized by distinct globular hepatic deposits and renal involvement.The amyloidogenic protein, LECT2, is an obesity-associated hepatokine with complex associations with inflammatory cytokines; including those regulating the cytokine storm observed in COVID-19.However, no research has explored the interaction between ALECT2 and systemic COVID-19.We present a case report detailing an incidental finding of systemic ALECT2 during the autopsy of a patient who expired from complications of severe COVID-19.Amyloid deposition within the liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs may have contributed to the declining organ function observed in this case.We propose two mechanisms by which ALECT2 potentially compounded the effects of COVID-19, including worsening hypoxia through alveolar amyloid deposition and intensifying the inflammatory response through upregulation of cytokines such as IL-6.
Source: Annals of Case Reports
Authors: Lauren Bluhm, Jenna Reisler, Marjan Afrouzian Judith Aronson
Institution: The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4386804375