[Alpha fetoprotein in non-neoplastic liver diseases]

Seric alfa-FP has been studied in acute and chronic hepatitis and in hepatocellular carcinoma. Sixty five normal subjects, 62 cirrhoses, 10 active chronic hepatitis, 12 chronic persistent hepatitis, 4 primary biliary cirrhoses and 9 hepatomas have been examined for seric alfa-FP. Abnormal seric alfa-FP (> 10 ng/ml) values agree with literature data. It is likely that hepatocellular regeneration due to viral or inflammatory disorders, can produce formation of alfa-FP and other abnormal proteins fro a depression mechanism of sue regulator gene.