What is alpha-fetoprotein function?

What is alpha-fetoprotein function?

While the function in humans is unknown, in rodents it binds estradiol to prevent the transport of this hormone across the placenta to the fetus. The main function of this is to prevent the virilization of female fetuses. As human AFP does not bind estrogen, its function in humans is less clear.

What is alpha-fetoprotein screening?

Alpha-fetoprotein screening is a blood test that measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein in the mothers’ blood during pregnancy. AFP is a protein normally produced by the fetal liver and is present in the fluid surrounding the fetus (amniotic fluid), and crosses the placenta into the mother’s blood.

Does alpha-fetoprotein bind to testosterone?

As AFP is unable to bind androgens, testosterone produced by the male embryo’s testes is free to reach the developing brain where it can locally be converted to estrogens by an enzyme called aromatase, and according to this classic hypothesis, estrogens could thus exert their masculinizating effects.

What is normal AFP level?

An AFP level between 10 ng/mL to 20 ng/mL is normal for adults. An extremely high level of AFP in your blood—greater than 400 ng/mL—could be a sign of liver tumors. High levels of AFP may mean other cancers, including Hodgkin disease, lymphoma, and renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer).

What is a positive AFP result?

A positive AFP PLUS test means that you are in a higher likelihood group for having a baby with a neural tube defect or a chromosome abnormality. However, it does not prove by itself that there is anything wrong with the pregnancy.

What do high levels of alpha-fetoprotein mean?

Why is alpha-fetoprotein test performed?

What is it used for? An AFP blood test is used to check a developing fetus for risk of birth defects and genetic disorders, such as neural tube defects or Down syndrome.

What is alpha-fetoprotein in adults?

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein produced in the liver of a developing fetus. During a baby’s development, some AFP passes through the placenta and into the mother’s blood. An AFP test measures the level of AFP in pregnant women during the second trimester of pregnancy.

What is AFP normal range?

What is a normal alpha-fetoprotein level?