[Alpha 1-antitrypsin phenotypes and their role in medical diagnosis].

Alpha-1-antitrypsin is a glycoprotein of blood exhibiting the properties of a proteolytic enzymes inhibitor. It occurs in a number of polymorphic variants transmitted genetically, the differentiation of which enables to use electrophoretic methods. The authors surveys literature, involving also her own experience, on the diagnostic use of alpha-1-antitrypsin phenotypes. The variants related to alpha-1-AT deficiency are associated with an increased incidence of certain diseases: obstructive pulmonary disease, liver cirrhosis in children, cancer. An early establishment of alpha-1-antitrypsin phenotype may be significant for occupational prevention, furthermore, it may be helpful in the highlighting of etiology of certain liver diseases in early childhood.