HCG 2mg

Description

HCG Introduction

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone pivotal in pregnancy, recognized for its role in supporting the early stages of embryo development and maintaining the corpus luteum. Produced by cells that form the placenta, hCG is also used as a marker in pregnancy tests due to its early presence in maternal blood and urine following conception​​​​.

HCG Chemical Composition

• Chemical Structure: HCG is a glycoprotein composed of 237 amino acids with a molecular mass of approximately 36.7 kDa. It is a heterodimer consisting of two subunits: alpha (α) and beta (β). The α-subunit is nearly identical to that of other hormones like LH, FSH, and TSH. The β-subunit is unique to HCG.
• Molecular Formula: The exact molecular formula for HCG is complex due to its glycoprotein nature, including carbohydrate moieties attached to the peptide backbone. The formula reflects the amino acid composition and carbohydrate content.
• Stability: HCG is stable when lyophilized and stored at low temperatures. Once reconstituted with sterile water, it should be used within a short period and stored in the refrigerator to maintain its potency.
• Solubility: HCG is soluble in water and saline, making it suitable for injection.
• Mechanism of Action: HCG interacts with the LHCG receptor, leading to ovulation in the ovary of females, and stimulates Leydig cells in males to produce testosterone. It mimics the action of luteinizing hormone (LH) due to its structural similarity.
• Therapeutic Use: Medically, HCG is used to treat infertility in women and to increase sperm count in men. It is also used in young boys when their testicles have not dropped down into the scrotum normally. HCG is utilized in assisted reproductive technology (ART) programs.
• Efficacy: HCG has proven effective in inducing ovulation and pregnancy in women with certain fertility issues. In men, it increases testosterone production and sperm count.
• Side Effects: Potential side effects include headache, restlessness, fatigue, depression, and swelling at the injection site. In women, it can cause a condition known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can be serious.
• Safety Profile: When used under medical supervision, HCG is generally safe. However, its misuse, especially in high doses or for unapproved purposes such as weight loss, can lead to adverse effects.
• Legal Status and Availability: HCG is a prescription medication in many countries, including the United States. Its use is regulated due to potential for abuse and misuse, particularly in the context of performance enhancement and weight loss.
• Shelf Life: 36 months
• Appearance: White lipolyzed powder puck

Structure and Production

hCG is a glycoprotein hormone composed of two subunits: alpha (α) and beta (β). The α-subunit is virtually identical to that of other hormones like LH, FSH, and TSH, whereas the β-subunit is unique to hCG, conferring its specific biological activity. This distinction is crucial for the clinical use of hCG measurements to diagnose and monitor pregnancy and certain diseases​​.

Clinical Applications

Beyond pregnancy detection, hCG levels are clinically significant in the management of trophoblastic diseases, certain cancers, and in fertility treatments. Elevated hCG levels can indicate trophoblastic disease, germ cell tumors, and serve as a tumor marker for certain cancers. In reproductive medicine, hCG is used to induce ovulation and support the luteal phase in assisted reproduction technologies (ART)​​.

Physiological Roles

During pregnancy, hCG supports the corpus luteum, ensuring the production of progesterone, essential for maintaining the uterine lining and embryonic development. Its role extends to fetal organ development, maternal immunotolerance, and possibly influencing fetal gender-specific development​​.

HCG in Weight Loss and Other Uses

The use of hCG in weight loss programs, often referred to as the hCG diet, has been controversial and widely debated. Critics argue that there is insufficient scientific evidence to support hCG’s effectiveness in promoting weight loss beyond the effects of the associated low-calorie diet. The FDA has also cautioned against these claims, emphasizing the lack of evidence and potential risks​​.

Research and Developments

Recent studies continue to explore hCG’s multifaceted roles, including its potential in regenerative medicine, cancer treatment, and its immunological effects. Research aims to elucidate the mechanisms through which hCG influences health and disease, with ongoing investigations into its therapeutic applications​​​​.

Conclusion

HCG is a hormone of significant biological and clinical importance, with established roles in pregnancy and reproductive medicine, as well as emerging potential in therapeutic applications. While its use in weight loss remains controversial, ongoing research is expanding our understanding of hCG’s broader implications in health and disease.

For further details on hCG’s structure, functions, and applications, reputable sources like PubMed and educational websites provide comprehensive insights.

Referenced Citations

1. A comprehensive review of hCG’s role in pregnancy diagnostics and its importance in various clinical scenarios, detailed in Clinical Chemistry Acta by Montagnana et al.
   (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21635878/)
2. A study examining the effect of physiological urine dilution on pregnancy test results in early pregnancies by Ong and Beebeejaun. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10426268/)
3. An investigation into the immunoassay of hCG, its free subunits, and metabolites by Cole.
   (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9439438/)
4. Research by Greene et al. on the limitations of qualitative point of care hCG tests for detecting early pregnancy. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23159297/)
5. Braunstein’s exploration of false-positive serum hCG results and their characteristics.
   (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12114913/)
6. Cole and colleagues’ study on the utility of commercial hCG immunoassays in the diagnosis and management of trophoblastic diseases and cancer. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11159780/)
7. An intriguing study that found maternal serum hCG is higher in the presence of a female fetus as early as week 3 post-fertilization. (https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/17/2/485/2914057)
8. A review on the human chorionic gonadotropin-supplemented diet, examining its efficacy and associated risks. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22483391/)
9. A study discussing the hCG assay or pregnancy test, examining its various forms and functions.
   (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22383055/)
10. Research on the response of penile growth to hCG treatment in patients with idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, providing insights into the effects of hCG on male reproductive development. (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292979663/)