Antonio Inoki, a famed Japanese wrestler and politician, died at age 79. Local media reports say Inoki died of heart failure. He was also battling a rare disease called amyloidosis, according to the New Japan Pro-Wrestling Company.

He rose to global fame in the sport in 1976 when he faced world boxing champion Muhammad Ali in a mixed martial arts match at Tokyo’s Budokan hall, an exhibition match that Japanese fans remember as “the fight of the century.”

Also Read: Who was Antonio Inoki, Japanese pro-wrestler, politician?

What is amyloidosis?

Amyloidosis is called the abnormal buildup of a protein called amyloid in organs, according to the United Kingdom‘s National Health Service. It has been defined as a “rare and serious condition.”

Large deposits of the amyloid protein restrict the functions of the organ. If left untreated, it can lead to organ failure. It is usually diagnosed after a biopsy is carried out on the patient. The most common type of the disease is called “AL amyloidosis.”

The protein buildup in patients is most commonly found in the heart and kidneys, making the organ tissue stiffer. This may lead to organ failure. The buildup has also been noted in the liver, spleen and digestive system.

According to a report from the National Health Service, common symptoms include feeling lightheaded or fainting, numbness or a tingling feeling in the hands and feet, nausea and easy bruising. AL amyloidosis does not affect the brain, so it does not cause any problems with memory or thinking, the NHS said.

Also Read: Antonio Inoki wives: Who are Mitsuko Baisho and Tazuko Tada?

AL amyloidosis is caused by an abnormality in certain cells found in the bone marrow, called plasma cells. The abnormal plasma cells produce abnormal forms of light chain proteins, which enter the bloodstream and can form amyloid deposits.

Unlike some other types of amyloidosis, AL amyloidosis is not inherited, so a person with the condition cannot pass it on to their children.