AFP Human

AFP is primarily produced by the yolk sac and the fetal liver during fetal development . It is a glycoprotein composed of 591 amino acids and includes a carbohydrate moiety . AFP is found in monomeric, dimeric, and trimeric forms .

The exact function of AFP in adult humans remains unknown. However, in the fetus, AFP is believed to function similarly to serum albumin, acting as a carrier protein that transports materials such as fatty acids to cells . AFP binds to various substances, including copper, nickel, fatty acids, and bilirubin .

AFP is a significant biomarker in clinical settings. Maternal serum levels of AFP are used to screen for Down syndrome, neural tube defects, and other chromosomal abnormalities . Elevated levels of AFP in adults are often associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and teratomas . Up to 70% of HCC patients exhibit elevated serum levels of AFP .

AFP is not only a diagnostic marker for HCC but also plays a complex role in the disease’s progression. It is involved in regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, and immune response inhibition . High serum levels of AFP usually indicate a high risk of HCC development and a poor prognosis .

In the fetus, AFP is produced by both the liver and the yolk sac. Maternal plasma levels peak near the end of the first trimester and begin decreasing prenatally, reaching normal adult levels by the age of 8 to 12 months . In adults, AFP expression is typically low but can be aberrantly expressed in liver cancer cells .

Ongoing research aims to further understand the role of AFP in the development of HCC and its potential as a therapeutic target. Exploring the biological functions of AFP may lead to new treatments for liver cancer and other related conditions .