Question

Alpha-1-antitrypsin is used to treat:

• A. Alzheimer’s Disease
• B. Cancer
• C. Emphysema
• D. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Emphysema

The correct option is C.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Emphysema is a chronic disorder where the surface area of respiration decreases due to damaged alveolar walls.
2. It is caused by smoking or deficiency of alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT).
3. Alpha-1-antitrypsin is a protein that is produced in the liver and prevents the tissues of the body from being damaged during immune responses.
4. The deficiency of A1AT causes damage to the lung tissues.
5. Emphysema is treated by augmentation therapy wherein the amount of A1AT is increased in the blood to prevent further lung damage.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Alzheimer's disease causes harm to the brain thereby hampering memory and other cognitive skills.
2. There is no treatment for it.

Option B:

1. Cancer is a disease in which there is the uncontrolled growth of cells which then causes other cells to starve.
2. Cancer is treated through chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or immunotherapy.

Option D:

1. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes damage to the joints.
2. It is an autoimmune disease.
3. Methotrexate is used to treat it.

Final answer: Alpha-1-antitrypsin is used to treat emphysema.