Question

Which among the following is used to treat Emphysema?

• A. Human Hormone - α-Antitrypsin
• B. Human α-Interferon
• C. Human protein - α-Antitrypsin
• D. Human α-Lactalbumin

Hint:

Understanding the function of proteins like-Antitrypsin is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Emphysema is a chronic lung condition often caused by a deficiency of α-1 antitrypsin (AAT), a protein produced in the liver that protects lung tissue from damage by enzymes like neutrophil elastase.

(A) refers to a hormone, but α-1 antitrypsin is a protein, not a hormone.

(B) α-Interferon is used for viral infections and certain cancers, not emphysema.

(D) α-Lactalbumin is a milk protein and not related to emphysema treatment.

Thus, the correct treatment for emphysema caused by AAT deficiency is human α-1 antitrypsin protein (option C), which is administered as augmentation therapy.

Answer 2

Emphysema is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by the destruction of alveolar walls , leading to reduced lung elasticity. A major cause of emphysema is α-Antitrypsin deficiency , which results in unchecked activity of proteolytic enzymes like elastase. Elastase breaks down elastic fibers in the lungs, causing structural damage.

To treat emphysema caused by α-Antitrypsin deficiency, replacement therapy is used. This involves administering purified human α-Antitrypsin protein derived from blood plasma. The enzyme inhibits elastase and restores balance in the lungs.

• (A): Incorrect because α-Antitrypsin is not a hormone but a protein enzyme .
• (B): Incorrect because α-Interferon is unrelated to emphysema treatment.
• (C): Correct because human protein - α-Antitrypsin is the exact treatment for this condition.
• (D): Incorrect because α-Lactalbumin is a milk protein and irrelevant here.