Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Early Embryogenesis: Review.
Int J Mol Sci 2022;
23:ijms23031380. [PMID:
35163303 PMCID:
PMC8835849 DOI:
10.3390/ijms23031380]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has four major isoforms: classical hCG, hyperglycosylated hCG, free β subunit, and sulphated hCG. Classical hCG is the first molecule synthesized by the embryo. Its RNA is transcribed as early as the eight-cell stage and the blastocyst produces the protein before its implantation. This review synthetizes everything currently known on this multi-effect hormone: hCG levels, angiogenetic activity, immunological actions, and effects on miscarriages and thyroid function.
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