THE ASSOCIATION OF GENETIC AND FUNCTIONAL VARIABILITY OF ALPHA1-ANTITRYPSIN IN ASBESTOSIS

The polymorphism and serum levels of alpha1-antitrypsin (AT) were stud ied in asbestosis patients, the control and the workers exposed to min eral flax longer or less than ten years. M1S, M3S, M1Z and M2M2 phenot ypes had low concentration of this protein. In the course of contact w ith mineral flax decrease in alpha1-AT concentration was found. The ph enotypes with low protein levels were very rare among workers contacti ng with asbest for a long time, and one of them - MIS was more often e ncountered in asbestosis patients. The standard deviation from the alp ha1-AT concentration was significantly higher in asbestosis patients.