Leukocyte Chemotactic Factor 2 Amyloidosis (ALECT2) Distribution in a Mexican Population

Abstract

Objectives To assess the prevalence of leukocyte cell-derived chemotactic 2 (LECT2), its organ involvement, and its clinical association in autopsies from an ethnically biased population. Methods The tissues from all autopsies of individuals diagnosed with amyloidosis were reassessed and typed for amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis, amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis, transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR), and leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 amyloidosis (ALECT2) by immunohistochemistry. Organ involvement was described and correlated with its clinical associations. Results Of 782 autopsies, 27 (3.5%) had a confirmed diagnosis of amyloidosis. Of these, 14 (52%) corresponded to ALECT2, 5 (19%) to AL amyloidosis, 2 (7%) to ATTR amyloidosis, 1 (4%) to AA amyloidosis, and 5 (21%) as undetermined-type amyloidosis. The LECT2 amyloid deposits were found in the kidneys, liver, spleen, and adrenal glands in most individuals. Except for the kidneys, there were no clinical signs suggestive of amyloid deposition in most of the affected organs. LECT2 amyloidosis was not associated with the cause of death in any case. No cases had heart or brain involvement. Potential subclinical effects of amyloid deposition in organs such as adrenal glands and spleen require further study. Conclusions This autopsy study confirms the high prevalence of LECT2 amyloidosis in the Mexican population, with frequent amyloid deposition in the kidneys, liver, spleen, and adrenal glands.

Advancing Renal Amyloidosis Care: The Role of Modern Diagnostic Techniques with the Potential of Enhancing Patient Outcomes

“…ALECT2 amyloidosis, characterized by deposits primarily in the kidneys and liver, has a notable ethnic predisposition and is more common in Hispanic, Middle Eastern, and South Asian populations [ 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ]. Its pathogenesis involves the deposition of LECT2, a protein produced by the liver, although the precise pathological mechanisms remain unclear [ 32 ].…”