Microheterogeneity forms of alpha-fetoprotein present in amniotic fluid

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Developmental Biology
• Clinical Chemistry

Background:

• Human alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) exists in various microheterogeneity forms.
• These forms can change during gestation and in pathological conditions.
• Lectins like Concanavalin A and Lens culinaris agglutinin can bind to specific AFP glycoforms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the microheterogeneity forms of human alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in amniotic fluid.
• To evaluate the utility of Concanavalin A and Lens culinaris agglutinin for detecting fetal malformations.
• To describe changes in AFP microheterogeneity during gestation and in pathological pregnancies.

Main Methods:

• Affinity immunoelectrophoresis using Concanavalin A and Lens culinaris agglutinin.
• Analysis of 97 normal amniotic fluid samples throughout gestation.
• Inclusion of samples from pregnancies with anencephaly and empty gestational sacs.
• Investigation of optimal lectin concentrations and development of rocket affinity electrophoresis.

Main Results:

• Described changes in relative concentrations of AFP microheterogeneity forms during gestation.
• Concanavalin A showed potential for detecting central nervous system malformations in early to mid-pregnancy.
• Lens culinaris agglutinin indicated potential for third-trimester malformation detection, requiring further validation.
• Optimal lectin concentrations and a rocket affinity electrophoresis method were determined.

Conclusions:

• AFP microheterogeneity analysis using lectin affinity electrophoresis can provide insights into fetal development.
• Concanavalin A is potentially useful for early to mid-pregnancy neural tube defect screening.
• Lens culinaris agglutinin may serve as a third-trimester marker for fetal abnormalities.
• Further research with larger cohorts is needed to confirm the diagnostic utility of Lens culinaris agglutinin.