Previous kinetic studies have characterized the intracellular folding pathway of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-beta subunit in which each of the folding intermediates can be biochemically identified based on the formation of disulfide (S-S) bonds: p beta 1-early--> p beta 1-late--> p beta 2-free--> p beta 2-combined--> native hCG-alpha beta. Based on these data, we postulated that hCG-...

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, a widely used plasticizer, and its active metabolite, mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), have been shown to exert adverse effects on the reproductive tract in developing and adult animals. As yet, however, the molecular mechanisms by which they act are uncertain. In the present study, we address the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the effects of MEHP...

BACKGROUND The effect of hormonal estrus induction on maternal effect (MATER - maternal antigen that embryo requires, ZAR-1 - zygote arrest 1, and BMP15 - bone morphogenetic protein 15) and apoptosis-related genes expression (BCL-2 and BAX) in porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and selected follicular parameters was investigated in this study. METHODS Gilts were divided into three groups...

MAPKs such as ERK1/2 are dephosphorylated, and consequently inactivated, by dual specificity phosphatases (MKPs). In Leydig cells, LH triggers ERK1/2 phosphorylation through the action of protein kinase A. We demonstrate that, in MA-10 Leydig cells, LH receptor activation by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) up-regulates MKP-2, a phosphatase that dephosphorylates ERK1/2, among other MAPKs. Aft...

Background Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an iatrogenic complication, which can cause high morbidity and mortality. Use of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist instead of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in GnRH antagonist cycles causes luteinizing hormone surge by GnRH stimulation which reduces the risk of OHSS by reducing the total amount of gonadotropin; however, ther...

Discordance has been reported in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) concentrations measured by different immunoassay kits. We examined the results for 40 serum samples assayed with 10 different hCG immunoassay kits. Results varied considerably. Individual sample results varied by as much as 58-fold. Average results for different kits varied by as much as 1.4-fold for pregnancy (20 samples) and ...

BACKGROUND Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone that exists in multiple forms. Immunoassays commonly used in clinical laboratories measure intact hCG, total beta hCG (intact hCG + hCG free beta-subunit), and/or hCG free beta-subunit. Measurement of serum concentrations of hCG is useful for confirmation and monitoring of pregnancy, diagnosis of trophoblastic...

The metabolic clearance rate (MCR) and renal clearance rate (RCR) of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) were measured in healthy young men and women using techniques of continuous intravenous infusion and rapid intravenous injection of unlabeled, highly purified hCG. Seven subjects received 4 d of infusion at a rate of 0.2 microgram/min, followed by an additional 4 d of infusion at 0.8 microgra...

The term ectopic pregnancy refers to a gestation in which the fertilized ovum implants on any tissue other than the endometrial membrane lining the uterine cavity. Fig 1 presents the various types of ectopic pregnancy and their relative frequencies The classic clinical symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are pelvic pain, amenorrhea, and vaginal bleeding , spotting (40-50%). However, only 50% of patie...

A 39-year-old male patient with a favorable prognosis stage IIB metastatic malignant germ cell tumor (GCT) and elevated pre- and postorchiectomy serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was treated with three courses of combination chemotherapy resulting in a rapid normalization of his serum hCG. Within 2 months after the cessation of chemotherapy, his serum hCG increased again, suggesting tumo...