AFP-L3
AFP-L3
AFP-L3 (pronounced as A-F-P-L-three) is a specific type of Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a protein that is produced by the liver and yolk sac of a developing fetus. AFP-L3 is a variant of AFP that is linked to glycans, complex sugars that can attach to proteins.
Etymology
The term "AFP-L3" is derived from the name of the protein it represents, "Alpha-fetoprotein", and the "L3" refers to the specific type of glycan that is attached to the protein.
Function
AFP-L3 is often used as a biomarker in medical testing. It is particularly useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer. High levels of AFP-L3 in the blood can indicate the presence of HCC, even in the early stages of the disease.
Related Terms
- Alpha-fetoprotein: A protein produced by the liver and yolk sac of a developing fetus. AFP levels are often measured in pregnant women as part of routine prenatal testing.
- Glycan: A complex sugar that can attach to proteins and lipids, altering their function.
- Biomarker: A biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease.
- Hepatocellular carcinoma: A type of liver cancer that often develops in people with chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on AFP-L3
- Wikipedia's article - AFP-L3
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