alpha-fetoprotein

[ al-fuh-fee-toh-proh-teen, -tee-in ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a serum protein produced during pregnancy, useful in the prenatal diagnosis of multiple births or birth defects. : AFP

alpha-fetoprotein

/ ˌælfəˌfiːtəʊˈprəʊtiːn /

noun

1. a protein that forms in the liver of the human fetus. Excessive quantities in the amniotic fluid and maternal blood may indicate spina bifida in the fetus; low levels may point to Down's syndrome afp

alpha-fetoprotein

/ ăl′fə-fē′tō-prō′tēn /

1. An antigen produced in the liver of a fetus that can appear in certain diseases of adults, such as liver cancer. Its level in amniotic fluid can be used in the detection of certain fetal abnormalities, including Down syndrome and spina bifida.

Word History and Origins

Origin of alpha-fetoprotein¹

First recorded in 1970–75; alpha + fet(us) + -o- + protein

Example Sentences

Ms. Bell’s result was troubling: Alpha-fetoprotein turned up in her blood, which can signal liver or ovarian cancer.

From New York Times

Studies have shown that women with preeclampsia have lower estrogen levels, which are associated with reduced breast-cancer risk, and elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin, pregnancy-related hormones believed to have tumor-suppressing properties, the researchers said.

From Wall Street Journal

In December 2010 Gibb was told he had abnormal levels of alpha-fetoprotein and beta-hCG in his blood and he would be suspended for doping.

From The Guardian

By measuring the levels of estriol, alpha-fetoprotein, and several other substances in a pregnant woman, the test assigns a certain probability to each defect.

From Slate