Amyloid and the Gut
Amyloid involvement in the gastrointestinal tract is most commonly seen in AL amyloidosis but it can occur in all types of systemic amyloidosis and in localized amyloidosis.
The Normal GUT
The gastrointestinal tract includes the tongue, oesophagus, stomach, small and large bowel and liver.
The main role of the gut is to break down the food into small components to enable energy and nutrients to be absorbed into the body and expel the remaining waste as faeces.
What happens when the amyloid protein deposits in the gut?
The pattern of gastrointestinal symptoms varies substantially, not only between the different types of amyloidosis but also within them.
Diffuse infiltration of the amyloid can interfere with normal muscular contractions and the intestine cannot propel its contents adequately.
- This will predispose it to bacterial overgrowth
- May result in poor mixing of contents for digestion and absorption
- If amyloidosis infiltrates the lining of the intestine it may interfere with normal cell function and impede digestion and absorption.
Symptoms
Symptoms are often nonspecific and range from:
- Nausea
- Reflux
- Diarrhea
- More severe hemorrhage and obstruction
- Within the liver, amyloidosis represents a fibrotic disease with associated manifestations.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Meet the Gastrointestinal Tract!
How your digestive system works – Emma Bryce