Nicked free beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin: a potential new marker for Down syndrome screening
Article Abstract:
Nicked free beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin may be at least as sensitive at detecting Down syndrome in fetuses as currently used tests. Researchers analyzed blood samples from six Down syndrome pregnancies and from 64 with normal chromosomes for levels of free beta-subunits with "nicks" in protein linkages of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Levels of nicked free beta-subunit of hCG were much higher in Down syndrome than in normal pregnancies. Nicked free beta-subunit levels were two to three times higher than all free beta-subunits, suggesting that nicked free beta-subunits may be a better indicator of Down syndrome than either hCG or free beta-hCG. Tests for nicked free beta-subunit of hCG in blood may be better than tests of beta-core-hCG in urine if blood is carefully collected and stored.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1996
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Selecting human chorionic gonadotropin immunoassays: consideration of cross-reacting molecules in first-trimester pregnancy serum and urine
Article Abstract:
The results of different pregnancy test kits may vary during the early stages of pregnancy. These kits measure urinary or blood levels of human chorionic gonadotropin and related substances. A study measured the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin and related substances in 242 blood samples and 125 urine samples from pregnant women using different laboratory, office and home pregnancy test kits. Average levels of human chorionic gonadotropin and related substances were similar two weeks after the missed menstrual period. Individual measurements varied significantly between different test kits for both blood and urine samples.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1993
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Human chorionic gonadotropin production by the pituitary gland in a premenopausal woman
Article Abstract:
A case is described of a non-pregnant woman who was producing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is normally only produced during pregnancy but can also be secreted by some tumors. The 41-year-old woman was found to have low blood levels of hCG when she was evaluated for infertility. Various diagnostic tests ruled out cancer and her physicians discovered that the hormone was being produced by her pituitary gland. The significance of this finding is not known but it may be a benign phenomenon.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1998
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