What is Amyloidosis?

Amyloidosis is a group of complex, rare diseases caused when an abnormal protein, (amyloid), deposits in various locations throughout the body, leading to organ impairment or failure. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before the amyloid protein burden in the body becomes too great to overcome, therefore, early diagnosis is the key to managing the disease.

What is CASN?

The Canadian Amyloidosis Support Network, Inc., is a federally registered, not-for-profit, all-volunteer organization formed by amyloidosis patients and those close to them. CASN is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of amyloidosis patients and families by promoting awareness, offering patient support, and funding high-value research projects.

Types of Amyloidosis

AL
Amyloidosis

is a light chain amyloid caused by a bone marrow plasma cell disorder. AL Amyloidosis is the most commonly diagnosed systemic amyloidosis in the developed world.

AA
Amyloidosis

occurs when the serum amyloid A (SAA) protein increases substantially in response to a long-term inflammatory disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis

ATTR Amyloidosis

involves the protein Transthyretin which is produced in the liver; its function is to transport thyroxin and retinol (Vit A). ATTR Amyloidosis can be Hereditary (hATTR), or Wild Type (ATTRwt). In the hereditary form (hATTR), 130 different variants have been identified and each variant presents its own set of unique symptoms, and age of onset.

Other

Abeta2m (Beta-2 Microglobulin amyloidosis)
ALECT2 (leukocytes)
ALoc (Localized amyloidosis)

Other hereditary amyloidoses

AApoAI (apolipoprotein A-I)
AApoAII (apolipoprotein A-II)
AGel (gelsolin)
AFib (fibrinogen)
ALys (lysozyme)
… and others