open access

Vol 9, No 4 (2023)
Review paper
Published online: 2023-09-08
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Hereditary alpha tryptasemia: literature overview on the genetic trait and its clinical manifestations

Agnieszka Rydz1, Magdalena Lange2
·
Forum Dermatologicum 2023;9(4):133-137.
Affiliations
  1. Student’s Scientific Circle Practical and Experimental Dermatology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
  2. Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland

open access

Vol 9, No 4 (2023)
REVIEW ARTICLES
Published online: 2023-09-08

Abstract

Hereditary Alpha Tryptasemia (HαT) is a genetic condition characterized by an increased number of copies of the TPSAB1 gene, resultingin elevated basal serum tryptase levels and an increased risk of anaphylaxis, especially in individuals with IgE-dependent allergies orsystemic mastocytosis. The severity of clinical symptoms can vary and is influenced by the number of extra TPSAB1 gene copies, suggestinga gene-dose effect. Approximately two-thirds of individuals with HαT show minimal or no symptoms. The remaining individuals withHαT may present with Hymenoptera venom allergy, flushing, urticarial/angioedema, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal reflux,hypermobility, neuropsychiatric symptoms and dysautonomia.Recent studies revealed that α-tryptase which forms complexes with β-tryptase activate protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) receptors.Activation of these receptors may lead to hypotension, muscle contraction, inflammation, and trigger neuropeptide secretion, and inconsequence, result in mast cell degranulation. This cycle of activation and degranulation may potentially contribute to the developmentof mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS).Mast cell activation syndromes are defined by systemic, severe and recurrent mast cell activations, usually in the form of anaphylaxis. Hereditary/familial MCAS is a specific subtype of MCAS, which is associated with HαT.Diagnostic work-up for HαT includes determination of basal serum tryptase level and the presence of additional TPSAB1 gene copiesusing droplet digital polymerase chain reaction.Further research is needed, to explore the relationship between HαT and MCAS, as well as to determine if there is a distinct form ofhereditary MCAS which is independent of HαT. These investigations aim to improve diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies forindividuals with HαT, enhancing their management and overall quality of life.

Abstract

Hereditary Alpha Tryptasemia (HαT) is a genetic condition characterized by an increased number of copies of the TPSAB1 gene, resultingin elevated basal serum tryptase levels and an increased risk of anaphylaxis, especially in individuals with IgE-dependent allergies orsystemic mastocytosis. The severity of clinical symptoms can vary and is influenced by the number of extra TPSAB1 gene copies, suggestinga gene-dose effect. Approximately two-thirds of individuals with HαT show minimal or no symptoms. The remaining individuals withHαT may present with Hymenoptera venom allergy, flushing, urticarial/angioedema, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal reflux,hypermobility, neuropsychiatric symptoms and dysautonomia.Recent studies revealed that α-tryptase which forms complexes with β-tryptase activate protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) receptors.Activation of these receptors may lead to hypotension, muscle contraction, inflammation, and trigger neuropeptide secretion, and inconsequence, result in mast cell degranulation. This cycle of activation and degranulation may potentially contribute to the developmentof mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS).Mast cell activation syndromes are defined by systemic, severe and recurrent mast cell activations, usually in the form of anaphylaxis. Hereditary/familial MCAS is a specific subtype of MCAS, which is associated with HαT.Diagnostic work-up for HαT includes determination of basal serum tryptase level and the presence of additional TPSAB1 gene copiesusing droplet digital polymerase chain reaction.Further research is needed, to explore the relationship between HαT and MCAS, as well as to determine if there is a distinct form ofhereditary MCAS which is independent of HαT. These investigations aim to improve diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies forindividuals with HαT, enhancing their management and overall quality of life.

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Keywords

hereditary alpha tryptasemia, HAT, familial/hereditary MCAS

About this article
Title

Hereditary alpha tryptasemia: literature overview on the genetic trait and its clinical manifestations

Journal

Forum Dermatologicum

Issue

Vol 9, No 4 (2023)

Article type

Review paper

Pages

133-137

Published online

2023-09-08

Page views

538

Article views/downloads

554

DOI

10.5603/fd.96810

Bibliographic record

Forum Dermatologicum 2023;9(4):133-137.

Keywords

hereditary alpha tryptasemia
HAT
familial/hereditary MCAS

Authors

Agnieszka Rydz
Magdalena Lange

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