Alpha-1-antitrypsin protein and its role in the pathophysiology of cancer

The alpha 1-AT protein has a wide range of biological functions, mainly protecting the lung against elastases produced by neutrophils. However, it is also related to different pathological processes, such as cancer. Among the types of cancer with which it has been associated are breast, prostate, lung, cervical, bladder and colorectal cancer, among others. Likewise, different studies have reported increased concentrations in cancer patients compared to control subjects. Furthermore, the alpha 1-AT protein has been proposed as a possible biomarker in different types of cancer, and has been related to tumor progression. Currently, the pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms of alpha 1-AT in cancer are still unclear. However, it could be participating in different biological and molecular processes in the tumor microenvironment, which could be a cause of the increase in systemic concentration. In conclusion, the present work focuses on describing the structure of alpha 1-AT and collecting its most relevant functions in physiological and pathological processes, such as cancer.