Why is alfa feto protein higher in infants?

Question

i could not found any exact answer for this question ...i will be glad if anyone could answer this question for me...

Answer 1

Plasma proteins are essential to human beings as it represents the main transportation for drugs, hormones, bilirubin and more.

In adults, Albumin constitutes the main bulk of plasma proteins present in our blood. However, in infants, this role is tentatively assumed by alpha-feto protein as embryonic hepatic cells are not mature enough to produce albumin.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Oncology

Cancerous cells are usually de-differentiated cells, in other words, backward development into embryonic stage. Hence, such in the case of liver cancer, high levels of alpha-feto proteins can be used as a biomarker in adults.

Embryology: Birth Defects

Having said so, however, the level of alpha feto protein should not be too high(i cant remember the reference value) as it is a sign of neural tube related abnormalities such as spina bifida etc