Pronunciation: [pˈap sˈiː] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "PAPP C" is simple, yet the pronunciation might not be as straightforward. "PAPP C" is a type of enzyme, and it is spelled phonetically as /pæp siː/. This means that the word is pronounced "pap see" with a short "a" sound and an "ee" sound at the end. While the spelling might seem confusing, the IPA phonetic transcription clarifies how to properly pronounce this scientific term.
PAPP C stands for Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein C. It is a protein that is produced by the liver and is frequently measured during pregnancy to assess certain health aspects of both the mother and the baby.
PAPP C is a glycoprotein that is primarily found in the blood plasma during pregnancy. It plays a crucial role in the regulation of insulin-like growth factor (IGF), which is essential for fetal growth and development. PAPP C specifically binds to and degrades a protein called insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4). By doing so, it promotes the release of free IGF, which can then interact with its receptors in various tissues and contribute to proper growth and development.
Measurement of PAPP C levels can provide important information about the health of the pregnancy. For example, low levels of PAPP C have been associated with fetal growth restriction, as decreased degradation of IGFBP-4 reduces the availability of free IGF, leading to impaired fetal growth. Additionally, abnormal PAPP C levels have also been observed in pregnancies affected by gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
In summary, PAPP C is a protein produced during pregnancy that regulates insulin-like growth factor by binding to and degrading IGFBP-4. Its level fluctuations can provide insights into fetal growth and the health of the pregnancy.
The etymology of the term "PAPP C" can be explained as follows:
"PAPP C" is an abbreviation used to refer to Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein C. This protein is a specific variant of the Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein (PAPP-A), which is an enzyme found in the blood of pregnant women. PAPP-A plays a role in the growth and development of the fetus during pregnancy.
The term "PAPP" is derived from the acronym of "Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein", and the "C" represents the specific variant of this protein. The origin of the acronym "PAPP" is straightforward in this context, as it stands for the protein's association with pregnancy-related processes.
It is important to note that the exact etymology of specific scientific terms might vary depending on the context and the field of study.
