Reactivity of alpha fetoprotein with lectins in the differential diagnosis of non-malignant and malignant liver disease

Alteration of N-linked glycans in serum proteins is well established during the development of disease. Through the use of lectinomics it is possible to monitor the changes in glycosylation of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) in liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Changes in the glycan branching along with the sugar linkage, sialylation, fucosylation of serum AFP are studied using lectins of different carbohydrate specificity that could help for differential diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatitis and cirrhosis.