Study of alpha one antitrypsin activity in lepra reaction

In our earlier study (Yemul et, al, 1983) we have reported elevation of serum alpha one antitrypsin levels in patients of lepromatous leprosy and lepra reaction. In this study estimation of serum alpha one antitrypsin levels in fifty lepra reaction patients (8 of type 1 and 42 of type II) and fifty age and sex matched healthy controls is described. Alpha one antitrypsin levels were elevated in lepra reaction patients (type I--mean value of 332 mg% and S.D. +/- 118.8 and type II--mean value of 450 mg% and S.D. +/- 73.7) when compared with the healthy controls (mean value of 285 mg% and S.D. +/- 66.05). The increase in levels in type II lepra reaction patients was statistically significant. The results are discussed to correlate the increased levels of alpha one antitrypsin and the high bacterial load leading to the release of various proteases in type II lepra reaction.