In hepatoma, which protein not normally found in adult serum is synthesized by liver cells?

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Enhance your knowledge with the Ciulla Clinical Chemistry Test. Study with interactive quizzes, featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations for better understanding. Prepare effectively and excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

In hepatoma, which protein not normally found in adult serum is synthesized by liver cells?

Explanation:
Hepatocellular carcinoma often reactivates expression of an embryonic protein that the adult liver does not normally secrete. Alpha-fetoprotein is produced by fetal liver and yolk sac, but after birth its levels fall to near zero in healthy adults. When liver cancer arises, the malignant hepatocytes can re-express this fetal gene and secrete AFP into the blood, making AFP a classic tumor marker for hepatoma. The other proteins listed are normal serum proteins produced by the liver (alpha1-acid glycoprotein and alpha2-macroglobulin) or are non-specific oncofetal markers (carcinoembryonic antigen) that are not characteristically produced by hepatocytes or unique to hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, alpha-fetoprotein best fits the scenario of a protein not normally found in adult serum but produced by liver cells in hepatoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma often reactivates expression of an embryonic protein that the adult liver does not normally secrete. Alpha-fetoprotein is produced by fetal liver and yolk sac, but after birth its levels fall to near zero in healthy adults. When liver cancer arises, the malignant hepatocytes can re-express this fetal gene and secrete AFP into the blood, making AFP a classic tumor marker for hepatoma.

The other proteins listed are normal serum proteins produced by the liver (alpha1-acid glycoprotein and alpha2-macroglobulin) or are non-specific oncofetal markers (carcinoembryonic antigen) that are not characteristically produced by hepatocytes or unique to hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, alpha-fetoprotein best fits the scenario of a protein not normally found in adult serum but produced by liver cells in hepatoma.

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