[9] Maternal AFP serum level is used to screen for Down syndrome, neural tube defects, and other chromosomal abnormalities.

AFP binds to copper, nickel, fatty acids and bilirubin[8] and is found in monomeric, dimeric and trimeric forms.

It is believed to function as a carrier protein (similar to albumin) that transports materials such as fatty acids to cells.

While the function in humans is unknown, in rodents it binds estradiol to prevent the transport of this hormone across the placenta to the fetus.

[23][24][25][26][27][28] During this time, the normal range of AFP levels spans approximately two orders of magnitude.

First, it is measured in pregnant women through the analysis of maternal blood or amniotic fluid as a screening test for certain developmental abnormalities, such as aneuploidy.

Some of these diseases are listed below: A peptide derived from AFP that is referred to as AFPep is claimed to possess anti-cancer properties.

[37] This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.