Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein that is produced during fetal development. It is found in the blood of pregnant women and in the blood of adults with certain types of cancer. AFP is a useful biomarker for detecting and monitoring certain types of cancer, such as liver cancer and testicular cancer.
Definitions
Alpha-fetoprotein is a protein that is produced by the liver and yolk sac of a developing fetus. It is also produced by some types of cancer cells, including liver cancer and testicular cancer. In adults, elevated levels of AFP in the blood may indicate the presence of one of these types of cancer.
Origin
The term “alpha-fetoprotein” comes from the fact that it is an alpha-globulin protein that is produced by the fetus. The protein was first discovered in the 1950s by scientists studying the blood of pregnant women.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to Merriam-Webster, alpha-fetoprotein is “a protein normally found in the fetal liver and yolk sac that is also produced by certain tumors (such as hepatomas) and is used as a tumor marker.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a protein produced by the liver of a fetus, and by some tumors, which is used as a diagnostic marker for certain cancers.”
Associations
Alpha-fetoprotein is most commonly associated with liver cancer and testicular cancer. Elevated levels of AFP in the blood may indicate the presence of one of these types of cancer. It is also sometimes used as a marker for other types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer.
Synonyms
Synonyms for alpha-fetoprotein include AFP, alpha-1-fetoprotein, and alpha-fetoglobulin.
Antonyms
There are no true antonyms for alpha-fetoprotein, as it is a specific protein with a specific function.
The same root words
The root words in alpha-fetoprotein are “alpha,” which refers to the type of protein, and “fetoprotein,” which refers to the fact that it is produced by the fetus.
Example Sentences
- Elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein in the blood may indicate the presence of liver cancer.
- Alpha-fetoprotein is a useful biomarker for detecting and monitoring certain types of cancer.
- The protein alpha-fetoprotein is produced by the liver and yolk sac of a developing fetus.