Fetal protein

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Fetal protein refers to a group of proteins that are produced by the fetus during pregnancy. These proteins play crucial roles in the development and growth of the fetus and can be used as markers in various prenatal diagnostic tests.

Types of Fetal Proteins

There are several types of fetal proteins, each with specific functions and significance:

• Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): AFP is produced by the fetal liver and yolk sac. It is commonly measured in maternal blood to screen for certain developmental abnormalities such as neural tube defects and Down syndrome.
• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): This hormone is produced by the placenta and is essential for maintaining pregnancy. It is also used in pregnancy tests.
• Inhibin A: This protein is produced by the placenta and ovaries and is part of the quad screen test used to assess the risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities.
• Unconjugated estriol (uE3): Produced by the fetal liver and placenta, uE3 is another component of the quad screen test.

Clinical Significance

Fetal proteins are important in the context of prenatal screening and diagnosis. Abnormal levels of these proteins can indicate potential issues with the pregnancy, such as:

• Neural tube defects
• Chromosomal abnormalities
• Fetal growth restriction
• Preeclampsia

Prenatal Screening Tests

Several prenatal screening tests measure fetal protein levels to assess the health and development of the fetus:

• Quad screen: This test measures AFP, hCG, inhibin A, and uE3 to evaluate the risk of certain birth defects.
• Triple screen: Similar to the quad screen but does not include inhibin A.
• First trimester screening: Combines measurements of hCG and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) with an ultrasound to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

Research and Future Directions

Ongoing research aims to identify new fetal proteins and improve the accuracy of prenatal screening tests. Advances in proteomics and genomics are expected to enhance our understanding of fetal development and lead to better diagnostic tools.

See Also

• Prenatal diagnosis
• Pregnancy
• Neonatal screening
• Proteomics

External Links

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