Hereditary Persistence of Alpha-Fetoprotein Is Associated with the -119G>A Polymorphism in AFP Gene
Neha Deshpande1, Radhika Chavan2, Govardhan Bale1
1Asian Healthcare Foundation, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Abstract:
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein that is produced by the liver and yolk sac during fetal development. Its levels are usually raised in malignant conditions. Hereditary persistence of AFP (HPAFP) is a rare benign condition with elevated levels of AFP. It is inherited in a dominant mode with complete penetrance and is usually not associated with any clinical disability. We report two individuals with elevated levels of AFP harboring the -119G>A polymorphism in the AFP gene. A genetic screening to rule out variants in the AFP gene is advised in cases with unexplained persistent AFP levels to avoid inappropriate treatment and surgical options.
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