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| | Prolastin - AAT Deficiency - AAT Genes (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-10-13) |
 | | The genetic terminology for describing Alpha-1 is as follows: Pi refers to proteinase inhibitor protein, followed by two capitals, like M, S, Z or other letters of the alphabet, which identify the gene for producing different forms of the inhibitor protein that an individual inherited from each parent. |
 | | Soon after the discovery of AAT deficiency, it was recognized that there is an association between the inherited AAT genes and the levels of AAT in serum. |
 | | M genes are associated with normal AAT levels, whereas S and Z are associated with reduced levels, with the levels associated with Z lower than S. The majority of individuals who inherit one Z gene and another gene, such as M (PiMZ), are considered to be carriers of Alpha-1. |
| www.prolastin.com /def_gen.asp (201 words) |
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