hCG, its free subunits and its metabolites. Roles in pregnancy and trophoblastic disease.

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.