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Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP, α-fetoprotein; also sometimes called alpha-1-fetoprotein, alpha-fetoglobulin, or alpha fetal protein) is a protein [5] [6] that in humans is encoded by the AFP gene. [ 7 ] [ 8 ] The AFP gene is located on the q arm of chromosome 4 (4q13.3). [ 9 ]
It is a tetramer protein with 2 alpha and 2 gamma subunits. This is different from adult hemoglobin because it has 2 alpha and 2 beta subunits. Fetal hemoglobin is coded by a gene on chromosome 11. The gamma subunit on fetal hemoglobin contains a neutral and nonpolar amino acid at position 136, unlike the beta subunit of adult hemoglobin.
A clinical study of lectin-reactive alpha-fetoprotein as an early indicator of hepatocellular carcinoma in the follow-up of cirrhotic patients. Shiraki, K., Hepatology, 22, 802–807, 1985. A clinical study of lectin-reactive alpha-fetoprotein as an early indicator of hepatocellular carcinoma in the follow-up of cirrhotic patients.
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy is a rare life-threatening complication of pregnancy that occurs in the third trimester or the immediate period after delivery. [1] It is thought to be caused by a disordered metabolism of fatty acids by mitochondria in the fetus, caused by long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency . [ 2 ]
The triple test, also called triple screen, the Kettering test or the Bart's test, is an investigation performed during pregnancy in the second trimester to classify a patient as either high-risk or low-risk for chromosomal abnormalities (and neural tube defects). The term "multiple-marker screening test" is sometimes used instead.
Spina bifida can usually be detected during the second trimester of pregnancy by fetal ultrasound. [59] Increased levels of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) should be followed up by two tests – an ultrasound of the fetal spine and amniocentesis of the mother's amniotic fluid (to test for alpha-fetoprotein and acetylcholinesterase).
This is due to increased safety, increased sensitivity and decreased false positive rate of ultrasound as compared to MSAFP. [47] Amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein (AFAFP) and amniotic fluid acetylcholinesterase (AFAChE) tests are also used to confirming if ultrasound screening indicates a positive risk. [48]
The major uterine and fetal glycoproteins that are associated with the eu-FEDS model in the human include alpha-fetoprotein, CA125, and glycodelin-A (also known as placental protein 14). Regulatory T cells also likely play a role. [11] Also, a shift from cell-mediated immunity toward humoral immunity is believed to occur. [12]