Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has four major isoforms: classical hCG, hyperglycosylated hCG, free β subunit, and sulphated hCG. Classical hCG is the first molecule synthesized by the embryo. Its RNA is transcribed as early as the eight-cell stage and the blastocyst produces the protein before its implantation. This review synthetizes everything currently known on this multi-effect hormone: hCG levels, angiogenetic activity, immunological actions, and effects on miscarriages and thyroid function.
Highlights
The relationship between the pituitary gland and the reproductive organs was established in the early 20th century
We have shown in our laboratory that the Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)–LH-hCG receptor (LHCGR) complex increases the secretion of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and decreases the secretion of interleukine-6 (IL-6) by endometrial cells, factors affecting embryo implantation [16]
Another study inspected the impact of hCG in the regulation of Foxp3 + p cells in patients with Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and the results suggest that this regulation may have a positive impact on the pregnancy outcomes [110]
Summary
The relationship between the pituitary gland and the reproductive organs was established in the early 20th century. The injection of hCG and eCG hormones is widely administered in the reproduction procedures of domestic mammal species (sows, cows, even female mice, etc.) In this case, hCG is used as an analog of LH and eCG because it mainly shows FSH activity [7]. Afterwards, this level decreases and remains basal from the 12th week of gestation onwards until the end of the pregnancy It remains significantly higher than in non-pregnant women [13,14]. It represents the majority of the total hCG in the third week of gestation and the half during the fourth week It decreases rapidly until it completely disappears from the maternal blood circulation at the end of the first trimester [26]. Its anti-apoptotic action would be achieved by its binding with the TGF-β receptor and independently of LHCGR. hCG-H monitoring is useful in predicting Down’s syndrome [30], pre-eclampsia [32], and the therapeutic response to trophoblastic diseases, as well as in pregnancy predictions performed in in vitro fertilization [33]
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