Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in Iranian patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract EN

Background : Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disease which affects both lung and liver.

This disease is a recognized factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

However its importance as the cause of COPD in a country such as Iran is unclear.

Objectives: This study was conducted to find out the role of α-1 antitrypsin deficiency as a cause of COPD in Iranian patients.

Materials and Methods : The serum concentration of α-1 antitrypsin was determined and the genotype of α-1 antitrypsin was also evaluated by PCR-RFLP in 130 patients with COPD and 50 normal healthy blood donors.

Results : No α-1 antitrypsin deficient case was found in normal healthy people and COPD patients.

Conclusions : Our results clarify that deficiency of α-antitrypsin is not a major cause of COPD in Iranian patients.