Pregnancy Associated Plasma Peptide A (PAPPA)
A large zinc-binding protein. PAPPA has been used in prenatal genetic screening and studies of atherosclerosis. Women with low blood levels of PAPPA at 8 to 14 weeks of gestation have an increased risk of intrauterine growth restriction, trisomy 21, premature delivery, preeclampsia, and stillbirth.
PAPPA is present in unstable atherosclerotic plaques, and circulating blood levels are elevated in acute coronary syndromes. PAPPA may also be a marker of unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction.