doi:10.3390/diagnostics13172778engFernández-Gomez, BeatrizMenao-Guillén, SebastianFernandez Gonzalez, AylaArruebo Muñio, MariaRamos Alvarez, MonicaInda Landaluce, MercedesCastillo Arce, Maria AngelesTorralba-Cabeza, Miguel ÁngelUtility of the serum protein electrophoresis in the opportunistic screening for the deficiency of Alpha-1 AntitrypsinART-2023-135079Background: A deficiency in alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT1) is a rare disorder that represents a significant health threat and early diagnostic priority issue. We investigated the usefulness of the serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) as an opportunistic screening tool for AAT1 deficiency. Methods: For 6 months, all SPE carried out for any reasons were evaluated in our center. In those with less than 3% of alpha-1 globulins, AAT1 concentrations were studied. The SERPINA1 gene was subsequently sequenced in those patients displaying concentrations below 100 mg/dL. Results: Out of the total, 14 patients (0.3%) were identified with low AAT1 concentrations, with 11 of them agreeing to enter the study. Of those, mutations in the SERPINA1 gene were discovered in 10 patients (91%). Heterozygous mutations were detected in seven patients; three had the c.1096G>A mutation (p.Glu366Lys; Pi*Z), two had the c.863A>T mutation (p.Glu288Val; Pi*S), one had the c.221_223delTCT mutation (p.Phe76del; Pi*Malton), and the last one had the c.1066G>A (p.Ala356Thr) mutation, which was not previously described. Finally, one patient had the c.863A>T mutation in homozygosis, whereas two double heterozygous patients c.863A>T/c.1096G>A were detected. Conclusions: An altered result in the concentration of AAT1 anticipates a mutation in the SERPINA1 gene in a manner close to 91%. The relationship between a decrease in the alpha-1 globulin band of the SPE and an alteration in the AAT1 concentration is direct in basal states of health. The SPE is presented as a highly sensitive test for opportunistic screening of AAT1 deficiency.2023http://zaguan.unizar.es/record/12790610.3390/diagnostics13172778http://zaguan.unizar.es/record/127906oai:zaguan.unizar.es:127906Diagnostics 13, 17 (2023), 2778 [9 pp]byhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/es/info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess