AFP and fatty liver

[Bluegirl52]

I had my AFP blood test this week and it came back as 2.0. I know that’s normal. But as I was doing a little research this afternoon, I ran across several articles and studies where they link higher AFP scores with the amount of fat in the liver. Not the really high numbers that you could see with HCC, but they concluded that the AFP does rise with the amount of fat in the liver. Has anyone else ever heard about this? Just found it interesting.

[nash2 Partner]

I don't have any information about it but if you consider that there are continuous chemical processes, if increasing fat is affecting how cell function works you might expect to see some shifting around of output even though it may still be a "normal" range. So that report doesn't surprise me though I can't really offer any insight.

[Ednoral]

What is AFP? this is a question for a hepatologist? We are just normal people around here please keep your questions simple so we can understand what it is you are asking. Thanks!

[Bluegirl52 in reply to Ednoral]

I’m sorry for asking a “technical” question. AFP is a protein that is sometimes tested when you get your 6 month ultrasound that checks for HCC which is liver cancer. Those of us with cirrhosis and other certain types of liver damage have to get scans every six months. Sometimes the AFP is also checked as it rises with liver cancer, testicular cancer and a few others. I had read some studies that it can also be raised with fatty liver.

[Ednoral in reply to Bluegirl52]

Thanks for the explanation. I have NASH so I'm not there but wish you all the best in your health and liver studies.