Liver Phenotypes of European Adults Heterozygous or Homozygous for Pi ∗Z Variant of AAT (Pi∗MZ vs Pi∗ZZ genotype) and Noncarriers

Homozygosity for the Pi ∗Z variant of the gene that encodes the alpha-1 antitrypsin peptide (AAT), called the Pi∗ZZ genotype, causes a liver and lung disease called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Heterozygosity (the Pi∗MZ genotype) is a risk factor for cirrhosis in individuals with liver disease. Up to 4% of Caucasi ans have the Pi∗MZ genotype; we compared features of adults with and without Pi∗MZ genotype among persons without preexisting liver disease.
Source: Gastroenterology - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tags: Clinical Liver Source Type: research