Cushing's disease
Education on Cushing's disease and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin research from the Mark Egly Foundation, with patent claims clearly labeled as hypothesis.
Research hypothesis, not medical advice
The connections described on this page come from Mark Egly's patent filing and ongoing research. They are not established medical facts. Always work with your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Research hypothesis. The connection between Cushing's disease and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin is described in Mark Egly's 2020 patent filing. This is not established medical fact and is not medical advice. Always talk with your doctor about your own health.
What is Cushing's disease?
Cushing's disease is a health condition discussed in Mark Egly's research on Alpha-1 Antitrypsin. Endocrine conditions involve hormones and glands that regulate body functions.
What Mark Egly's patent discusses
Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction ("PPID"), also known as Cushing's disease, Cushing's syndrome, or hypercortisolism, is a hormonal disorder that occurs when the body is exposed to excess levels of the hormone cortisol for an extended period of time. Signs of Cushing's disease include a fatty hump between the shoulders, a rounded face, and pink or purple stretch marks on the skin. Cushing's disease can also result in high blood pressure, bone loss, and type 2 diabetes. Cushing's disease affects humans and horses. The effect of Cushing's disease on immunity in horses was shown by McFarlane et al. Due to the link between AATD and Cushing's disease, in one embodiment AAT may be used to treat, control, or prevent Cushing's disease in patients, either with or without known AATD. A diagnosis of Cushing's disease may prompt a medical provider to test a patient for AATD. Alternatively, a patient diagnosed with Cushing's disease may seek genetic testing for AATD through an independent genetic testing company such as 23andMe or geneology.com, a pharmaceutical company supplied test kit, or other private methods available. A method for treating a patient suffering from Cushing's disease w…
How this may relate to Alpha-1
Mark Egly's patent proposes that when the body has too little working Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, or when neutrophils release too much neutrophil elastase, inflammation and tissue damage may worsen. For Cushing's disease, the patent suggests that testing for AATD or low circulating AAT could help guide care. This is a research hypothesis, not a proven treatment path for everyone with this condition.
What you can do
If you or a family member lives with Cushing's disease, consider learning about Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and discussing AAT testing with your healthcare team. The Mark Egly Foundation offers education and community support: