BETA HUMEN GONADOTROPIN STIMULATING HORMONE

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a vital chemical produced by trophoblast tissue, typically present in early embryos and destined to contribute to the development of the placenta. Monitoring hCG levels proves invaluable in discerning the progress of a normal pregnancy, detecting abnormalities in pregnancy, and offering insights after a terminated pregnancy. Moreover, hCG measurement holds diagnostic value in various cancers, including choriocarcinoma and extra-uterine malignancies. Structurally, hCG is a glycoprotein comprising two subunits, alpha and beta. During pregnancy, multiple forms of hCG, including the intact hormone and individual free subunits, circulate in the serum and urine. The liver predominantly metabolizes hCG, with approximately 20% excreted in the urine. Notably, the kidney plays a role in breaking down the beta subunit into a core fragment, a crucial aspect measured in urine hCG tests. This intricate interplay of hCG and its subunits provides a nuanced understanding of its role in pregnancy and pathology, offering valuable diagnostic avenues in medical practice.