Alpha-Fetoprotein: Difference between revisions
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==Protein== | ==Protein== | ||
AFP is a member of the albuminoid gene superfamily which includes, serum albumin, vitamin D binding protein and alpha-albumin (afamin).Biological roles of alpha-fetoprotein during pregnancy and perinatal development. | AFP is a member of the albuminoid gene superfamily which includes, serum albumin, vitamin D binding protein and alpha-albumin (afamin).<ref>Biological roles of alpha-fetoprotein during pregnancy and perinatal development. Mizejewski GJ. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2004 Jun;229(6):439-63. Review. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15169963 PMID: 15169963]</ref> | ||
Serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) has also been used as a tumor marker in the adult for liver cancer (Hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC).<ref>Isolation and characterization of a human fetal-alpha-globulin from the sera of fetuses and a hepatoma patient. Nishi S. Cancer Res. 1970 Oct;30(10):2507-13. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15169963 PMID: 4097430]</ref> | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 12:23, 28 March 2010
Introduction
The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test is a test that is performed during pregnancy of maternal blood or fetal amniotic fluid at 16-19 weeks of gestation. The amniotic test is more invasive than the maternal blood test. The protein is synthesized by yolk sac and liver of the fetus and is also expressed in the adult in some liver cancers.
Abnormal amounts of the protein may indicate genetic or developmental problems in the fetus.
Low levels of AFP normally occur in the blood of a pregnant woman.
High levels may indicate neural tube defects (spina bifida, anencephaly), the neural tube defect allows AFP to leak through into the amniotic fluid.
This test can also be used in non-pregnacy testing of clinical conditions (including liver cancer).
Alternative name- Fetal alpha globulin
Protein
AFP is a member of the albuminoid gene superfamily which includes, serum albumin, vitamin D binding protein and alpha-albumin (afamin).[1]
Serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) has also been used as a tumor marker in the adult for liver cancer (Hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC).[2]
References
- ↑ Biological roles of alpha-fetoprotein during pregnancy and perinatal development. Mizejewski GJ. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2004 Jun;229(6):439-63. Review. PMID: 15169963
- ↑ Isolation and characterization of a human fetal-alpha-globulin from the sera of fetuses and a hepatoma patient. Nishi S. Cancer Res. 1970 Oct;30(10):2507-13. PMID: 4097430
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Cite this page: Hill, M.A. (2024, April 27) Embryology Alpha-Fetoprotein. Retrieved from https://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/embryology/index.php/Alpha-Fetoprotein
- © Dr Mark Hill 2024, UNSW Embryology ISBN: 978 0 7334 2609 4 - UNSW CRICOS Provider Code No. 00098G
