Quantitative analysis of hepatoma-specific α-fetoprotein(HS-AFP) by a new mini-column affinity chromatography and its clinical value in diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

摘要

Objective:To establish a convenient and economic method to determine hepatoma-specific α-fetoprotein(HS-AFP) for diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Methods:HS-AFP from serum of HCC patients was separated by a mini-column Lens culinaris agglutinin(LCA)-affinity chromatography. The levels of serum total AFP and separated HS-AFP were detected by radioimmunoassay(RIA). Results:Circulating AFP was separated into three peaks(AFP-1,AFP-2,and AFP-3) by LCA-affinity chromatography. During the elution course,the AFP-1 and AFP-2 could be eluted with TE buffer. HS-AFP(AFP-3) from sera of HCC patients was eluted clearly on the LCA-sepharose gel mini-column with a solution containing α-methyl-D-mannoside. It was a part of total AFP and only found in sera of HCC patients. A ratio of more than 15% for HS-AFP to total AFP in serum was considered as a specific marker for HCC diagnosis with higher sensitivity(92.7%) and specificity(88.2%). Conclusion:The new assay for circulating HS-AFP analysis is more sensitive,repeatable,and convenient. Its clini-cal application would be useful to early diagnosis of HCC.