37. Alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) is a protein secreted from th…

37. Alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) is a protein secreted from the liver to counteract and inhibit the neutrophil enzyme Elastase. Elastase is used to destroy bacteria and debris in the lungs. Misfolding of the A1AT protein can lead to decrease liver secretion and increase Elastase function—leading to the destruction of tissue surrounding the alveoli. Which of the following would be symptomatic of misfolded A1AT?