Leukocyte Chemotactic Factor 2 Amyloidosis (ALECT2) Distribution in a Mexican Population

Am J Clin Pathol. 2023 Jan 4;159(1):89-97. doi: 10.1093/ajcp/aqac138.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of leukocyte cell-derived chemotactic 2 (LECT2), its organ involvement, and its clinical association in autopsies from an ethnically biased population.

Methods: The tissues from all autopsies of individuals diagnosed with amyloidosis were reassessed and typed for amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis, amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis, transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR), and leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 amyloidosis (ALECT2) by immunohistochemistry. Organ involvement was described and correlated with its clinical associations.

Results: Of 782 autopsies, 27 (3.5%) had a confirmed diagnosis of amyloidosis. Of these, 14 (52%) corresponded to ALECT2, 5 (19%) to AL amyloidosis, 2 (7%) to ATTR amyloidosis, 1 (4%) to AA amyloidosis, and 5 (21%) as undetermined-type amyloidosis. The LECT2 amyloid deposits were found in the kidneys, liver, spleen, and adrenal glands in most individuals. Except for the kidneys, there were no clinical signs suggestive of amyloid deposition in most of the affected organs. LECT2 amyloidosis was not associated with the cause of death in any case. No cases had heart or brain involvement. Potential subclinical effects of amyloid deposition in organs such as adrenal glands and spleen require further study.

Conclusions: This autopsy study confirms the high prevalence of LECT2 amyloidosis in the Mexican population, with frequent amyloid deposition in the kidneys, liver, spleen, and adrenal glands.

Keywords: ALECT2; Amyloidosis; Autopsy; LECT2; Leukocyte chemoattractant protein-2; Renal amyloidosis.

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial*
  • Chemotactic Factors
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Kidney*
  • Leukocytes

Substances

  • Chemotactic Factors
  • LECT2 protein, human
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins

Supplementary concepts

  • AA amyloidosis