HCG

BMJ case reports · 2025

Researchers observed a rare case of a woman in her 30s with a type of bone cancer called osteosarcoma that produced a hormone typically associated with pregnancy, known as beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG). Despite a positive pregnancy test, further tests showed no pregnancy, confirming that the cancer cells were responsible for the hormone production. This finding suggests that β-hCG could be useful for monitoring the cancer's progression.

• The patient had osteosarcoma that was producing β-hCG, a hormone usually linked to pregnancy.
• No actual pregnancy was found, indicating the hormone was secreted by the cancer cells.
• The presence of β-hCG may serve as a marker for tracking the disease's progression or recurrence.

International journal of molecular sciences · 2022

This review examines the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which plays a crucial role in early embryo development. Researchers found that hCG is produced by the embryo before implantation and has various effects on the body, including influencing blood vessel formation and immune responses.

• Researchers observed that classical hCG is the first molecule made by the embryo as early as the eight-cell stage.
• The study highlighted hCG's role in promoting blood vessel growth and its immunological effects.
• Researchers found that hCG levels may be linked to miscarriage rates and thyroid function.

International journal of molecular sciences · 2018

Researchers studied Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone involved in pregnancy and potentially linked to cancer. They explored its role as an endocrine regulator, highlighting its significance in gestation and its implications in cancer research.

• Researchers observed that hCG plays a crucial role in regulating pregnancy.
• The study found potential connections between hCG and cancer development.
• Researchers highlighted the importance of hCG in understanding endocrine functions.

International journal of molecular sciences · 2017

Researchers reviewed the role of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in breast cancer. They found that while HCG from the placenta may protect against breast cancer by promoting healthy cell behavior, an abnormal form of HCG can actually promote tumor growth. This suggests that mimicking pregnancy with HCG could help in preventing breast cancer, while targeting the harmful form of HCG might be a strategy for treatment.

• Researchers observed that placental HCG may protect against breast cancer by promoting healthy cell behavior.
• They found that an abnormal form of HCG is linked to poorer outcomes in various cancers.
• The study suggests that using HCG to mimic pregnancy could be a preventive strategy for breast cancer.

International journal of molecular sciences · 2017

Researchers reviewed the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to understand its roles in reproduction and explored new theories about its functions. They found that hCG is involved in important reproductive processes and may also play a role in preventing organ rejection in transplants.

• hCG is crucial for oocyte maturation, fertilization, implantation, and early embryo development.
• The hormone and its receptor are present in various reproductive tissues beyond the gonads.
• hCG may have potential applications in organ transplantation as an anti-rejection agent.

Molecular and cellular endocrinology · 2014

Researchers observed that luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) play important roles in ovulation and early pregnancy, but they are not as interchangeable as previously thought. The study highlights differences in how these hormones interact with their common receptor and affect cellular signaling, which could improve diagnostic and treatment strategies for infertility.

• Researchers found that LH and hCG, while similar in structure, have distinct effects on cellular signaling.
• The study revealed that advancements in hormone purification have led to a better understanding of LH and hCG's unique roles.
• Increased knowledge of these differences could enhance diagnostic tools and personalized treatment options for infertility.

Best practice & research. Clinical endocrinology & metabolism · 2013

Researchers reviewed how human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is used to diagnose and monitor pregnancy and certain tumors. They found that different forms of hCG can complicate testing, and specific measurements of hCG can aid in screening for conditions like Down's syndrome.

• Determining hCG levels is crucial for diagnosing pregnancy and related disorders.
• Different forms of hCG exist, and their detection varies by testing methods.
• Specific hCG measurements can be useful in screening for Down's syndrome and diagnosing certain cancers.