L A Cole1. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine the structure and metabolism of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and the effect of molecular heterogeneity on the immunodiagnosis and monitoring of gestational trophoblastic disease. STUDY DESIGN: A review of the current medical literature concerning measurement of hCG and hCG-related molecules. RESULTS: hCG molecules in gestational trophoblastic disease are more heterogeneous or degraded in serum and urine samples than in normal pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Appropriate measurement and monitoring of hCG levels in gestational trophoblastic disease require an understanding of hCG structure and metabolism.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the structure and metabolism of humanchorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and the effect of molecular heterogeneity on the immunodiagnosis and monitoring of gestational trophoblastic disease. STUDY DESIGN: A review of the current medical literature concerning measurement of hCG and hCG-related molecules. RESULTS:hCG molecules in gestational trophoblastic disease are more heterogeneous or degraded in serum and urine samples than in normal pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Appropriate measurement and monitoring of hCG levels in gestational trophoblastic disease require an understanding of hCG structure and metabolism.
Authors: Paul M Doyle; Waziq A Thiryayi; Abhijit Joshi; Daniel du Plessis; Tara Kearney; Kanna K Gnanalingham Journal: Pituitary Date: 2009 Impact factor: 4.107