2-Chloro-4-nitrophenyl a-L-fucopyranoside

2-Chloro-4-nitrophenyl α-L-fucopyranoside (CNPF) is a substrate for the enzyme α-L-fucosidase (AFU). CNPF is hydrolysed by α-L-fucosidase to fucose and 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol. The levels of AFU in human serum are a useful marker for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), being significantly higher in patients with HCC than those with cirrhosis, other malignant neoplasms or control subjects.1 A highly sensitive and specific assay monitoring the hydrolysis of CNPF by AFU has been developed for use in the early diagnosis of HCC.2

Refs:
1. MG Giardina et al, Cancer, 1992, 70, 1044.
2. JJ Wang et al, Clin. Chim. Acta, 2004, 347, 103