Why are there so many kinds of amyloidosis?
“Amyloidosis” is a generic term used any time proteins are deposited in the fibril/sheet-like fashion noted above. Which specific protein is deposited defines what kind of amyloidosis is present, and how serious the disease is. Because the underlying cause of amyloidosis is entirely different depending on which protein is being deposited, the treatment options are entirely different as well. What makes the proteins form into amyloid deposits? In many cases (such as “Primary” or “Familial” amyloidosis), it occurs because the protein present in the body is abnormal. In such cases, the abnormal structure of the protein makes it more susceptible to forming into fibrils and depositing in tissues. In other cases (such as “Senile” amyloidosis or B 2 microglobulin” amyloidosis), a normal protein is deposited – either because it is present in abnormally high quantities, or because it is present for many years. Other substances in the body are also present in amyloid deposits, and their contribu
