bone marrow

Amyloid protein is an abnormal protein that is produced by cells in the bone marrow

Amyloidosis is a disease that occurs when proteins accumulate abnormally in the organs. . Amyloidosis affects different organs in different people and can affect the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys or nervous system. The disease begins in the bone marrow. One of the roles of bone marrow is to make antibodies, which are proteins that help protect against infection. In amyloidosis, the body has trouble breaking down those proteins. The proteins accumulate and are deposited in various organs.

The signs and symptoms of amyloidosis vary, depending upon which organs are affected. Symptoms may include swelling of the lower extremities, extreme fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, weight loss, enlarged tongue, irregular heartbeat, difficulty swallowing, purplish patches around the eyes, skin changes (including thickening of the skin and easy bruising), irregular heartbeat and protein in the urine.

There are three classifications of amyloidosis: primary amyloidosis, secondary amyloidosis and familial amyloidosis. Primary amyloidosis is so called because it is not associated with any other diseases. The cause is unknown. Primary amyloidosis can affect many organs, including the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nerves, intestines, skin, tongue and blood vessels. Secondary amyloidosis is triggered by a chronic infection or inflammatory state. It can affect the kidneys, spleen, liver and lymph nodes, though other organs may be involved. Treatment of the underlying disease may help stop progression of this form of amyloidosis. Familial amyloidosis is inherited and often affects the liver, nerves, heart and kidneys.