Chorionic Gonadotropin (Chorionic Gonadotropin (Human)) - Summary

SUMMARY

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a polypeptide hormone produced by the human placenta, is composed of an alpha and a beta sub-unit. The alpha sub-unit is essentially identical to the alpha sub-units of the human pituitary gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), as well as to the alpha sub-unit of human thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The beta sub-units of these hormones differ in amino acid sequence. Chorionic gonadotropin is obtained from the human pregnancy urine. It is standardized by a biological assay procedure.

HCG HAS NOT BEEN DEMONSTRATED TO BE EFFECTIVE ADJUNCTIVE THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY. THERE IS NO SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE THAT IT INCREASES WEIGHT LOSS BEYOND THAT RESULTING FROM CALORIC RESTRICTION, THAT IT CAUSES A MORE ATTRACTIVE OR "NORMAL" DISTRIBUTION OF FAT, OR THAT IT DECREASES THE HUNGER AND DISCOMFORT ASSOCIATED WITH CALORIE-RESTRICTED DIETS.

1. Prepubertal cryptorchidism not due to anatomical obstruction. In general, HCG is thought to induce testicular descent in situations when descent would have occurred at puberty. HCG thus may help predict whether or not orchiopexy will be needed in the future. Although, in some cases, descent following HCG administration is permanent, in most cases, the response is temporary. Therapy is usually instituted between the ages four and nine.
2. Selected cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (hypogonadism secondary to a pituitary deficiency) in males.
3. Induction of ovulation and pregnancy in the anovulatory, infertile woman in whom the cause of anovulation is secondary and not due to primary ovarian failure, and who has been appropriately pretreated with human menotropins.

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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Chorionic Gonadotropin

The effect of low dose human chorionic gonadotropin on follicular response and oocyte maturation in PCOS patients undergoing IVF cycles: a randomized clinical trial of efficacy and safety. [2011.12]
PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of two regimens of low dose human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on follicular response and oocyte maturation in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)... CONCLUSIONS: A combination of FSH and low dose hCG improved oocyte maturity and preserved outcomes with improved safety and lowered cost.

Is earlier administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) associated with the probability of pregnancy in cycles stimulated with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists? A prospective randomized trial. [2011.11]
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of timing of hCG administration and probability of pregnancy in patients stimulated with recombinant FSH/GnRH antagonists for IVF...

Levels of the epidermal growth factor-like peptide amphiregulin in follicular fluid reflect the mode of triggering ovulation: a comparison between gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist and urinary human chorionic gonadotrophin. [2011.05]
OBJECTIVE: To detect differences in follicular fluid (FF) levels of amphiregulin (AR), depending on mode of triggering final oocyte maturation.

Follicle-stimulating hormone administered at the time of human chorionic gonadotropin trigger improves oocyte developmental competence in in vitro fertilization cycles: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. [2011.04]
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether an additional follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) bolus administered at the time of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger can improve the developmental competence of the oocyte.

The effect of gonadotropin withdrawal and stimulation with human chorionic gonadotropin on intratesticular androstenedione and DHEA in normal men. [2011.04]
INTRODUCTION: Concentrations of intratesticular (IT) testosterone (T) are known to be 100-200 times those of serum T; however, the IT concentrations of T's precursors, their testicular to serum gradients, gonadotropin dependence, and response to stimulation with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) have not been studied in detail...

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Clinical Trials Related to Chorionic Gonadotropin

Comparison of Micro-dose Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) With Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HMG) in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome [Recruiting]
The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of low dose human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in combination with clomiphen citrate to induce ovulation and its endocrine response in patients who had previously failed to ovulate on clomiphen citrate alone. The investigators will also compare the effectiveness and endocrine response of this approach with the regimen of adding HMG to clomiphen citrate.

hCG Supplementation in Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer Cycle [Completed]
The implantation rate after frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles depends mostly on the receptivity of the endometrium and the embryo quality. The effects of human chorionic gonadotropins (hCG) on the endometrium have been investigated for several years. hCG was shown to up-regulate gene expression during the differentiation of human endometrial stromal cells into decidua. The aim of our study was to assess the benefit of hCG supplementation throughout the secretory phase of artificial frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles.

Prenatal Testing: Amniocentesis Versus Transabdominal Chorionic Villus Sampling (TA CVS) [Completed]
Prenatal diagnosis can provide information to parents about specific fetal disorders. However, invasive prenatal diagnostic procedures are associated with risks to the fetus. This study will compare the safety and effectiveness of two methods of invasive prenatal diagnosis: amniocentesis and transabdominal chorionic villus sampling (TA CVS).

Intra-uterine Injection of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin(hCG) Before Embryo Transfer [Recruiting]
Chorionic gonadotrophins (hCG) play an important role in implantation. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of intrauterine injection of hCG before embryo transfer in IVF/ICSI on the implantation and pregnancy rates. The rational is that intrauterine hCG injection will attract regulatory T cells and improve implantation.

Study to Examine Effect of Recombinant Luteinizing Hormone (r-Lh) and Recombinant Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (r-hCG) for Ovarian Stimulation in Assisted Reproduction Techniques (ART) [Recruiting]
The study is a prospective, randomised, controlled, and non-blinded multi-center pilot study to evaluate endocrine efficacy of recombinant luteinizing hormone versus recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin administered during controlled ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI in normogonadotrophic women.

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Reports of Suspected Chorionic Gonadotropin Side Effects

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (24),  Ascites (8),  Caesarean Section (6),  Alopecia (6),  Headache (5),  Abortion Spontaneous (5),  Maternal Drugs Affecting Foetus (4),  Loss of Consciousness (4),  Pleural Effusion (4),  Vomiting (4), more >>