The Clinical Value of Serum Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Abstract

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced primarily by differentiated syncytiotrophoblasts, and represents a key embryonic signal that is essential for the maintenance of pregnancy. The hCG molecule is produced by a variety of organs, exists in various forms, and exerts vital biological functions. The hCG molecule displays specialized roles in promoting angiogenesis in the uterine endothelium, maintaining myometrial quiescence, as well as fostering immunomodulation at the maternal-fetal interface. The measurement of serum hCG levels provide important information in a variety of clinical situations ranging from diagnosis and monitoring of pregnancy, prenatal screening and pregnancy-related disorders to cancer surveillance. This review presents a biochemistry of hCG and its various clinical value.

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