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 im munodiagnosis and monitoring of gestational trophoblastic disease. STU DY DESIGN: A review of the current medical literature concerning measu rement of hCG and hCG-related molecules. RESULTS: hCG molecules in ges tational trophoblastic disease are move heterogeneous or degraded in s erum and urine samples than in normal pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Appropria te measurement and monitoring of hCG levels in gestational trophoblast ic disease require an understanding of hCG structure and metabolism.