Open AccessBiology of pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A in relation to prenatal diagnostics: an overview
Author(s) -
Kirkegaard Ida,
Uldbjerg Niels,
Oxvig Claus
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016349.2010.505639
Subject(s) - pregnancy associated plasma protein a , pregnancy , medicine , preeclampsia , placenta , fetal growth , glycoprotein , blood proteins , obstetrics , fetus , first trimester , endocrinology , biology , biochemistry , genetics
Pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) is highly efficient as a serum marker in first‐trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that low levels of PAPP‐A in the first trimester are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm delivery, intrauterine growth retardation, preeclampsia, and stillbirth. PAPP‐A is a glycoprotein, produced in the placenta, and it is present in the maternal circulation in increasing concentrations during pregnancy. By means of its proteolytic activity, PAPP‐A functions as a regulatory protein in the insulin‐like growth factor system, known to be important for placental formation and regulation of fetal growth. This overview describes aspects of biochemistry, synthesis, and biological functions of PAPP‐A, with a focus on information of importance to clinicians. The clinical applications of PAPP‐A are summarized, and new insights regarding the analyses of PAPP‐A discussed.