Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (carrier) as possible risk factor for development of colonic diverticula. A multicentre prospective case-control study: the ALADDIN study.

Aim: Connective tissue changes due to ageing or diseases leading to changes in the colonic wall are one theory for the development of diverticula. Alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT), a protease inhibitor that protects connective tissue, possibly plays a role in the aetiology of diverticulosis. The aim of this study was to explore associations between the development of diverticula and A1AT deficiency.

Prevalence of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency carriers in a population with and without colonic diverticula. A multicentre prospective case-control study: the ALADDIN study.

Purpose: The underling pathophysiological mechanisms that cause the formation of colonic diverticula (diverticulosis) remain unclear. Connective tissue changes due to ageing that cause changes in collagen structure of the colonic wall is one theory. Alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) is a protease inhibitor known to protect connective tissue in other organs.