BACKGROUND Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor(ETT)is an extremely rare malignant gestational trophoblastic neoplasm commonly presenting with abnormal vaginal bleeding,abdominal pain,and increased human chorionic gonadotr...BACKGROUND Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor(ETT)is an extremely rare malignant gestational trophoblastic neoplasm commonly presenting with abnormal vaginal bleeding,abdominal pain,and increased human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG).This study reported a case of uterine ETT with the main manifestation being increased hCG.CASE SUMMARY A 39-year-old female was referred to the Ningbo Maternal and Child Hospital of China in December 2022,complaining of increased hCG levels for 1 month.Magnetic resonance imaging revealed gestational trophoblastic tumor,and hysteroscopic electrotomy and curettage of intrauterine hyperplasia were performed.The patient was diagnosed with uterine ETT through postoperative pathological examination and immunohistochemical results.Total laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy were performed,and hCG levels returned to normal.The patient was without recurrence during the postoperative 3-month follow-up.CONCLUSION This study reported a case of uterine ETT with the main manifestation being increased hCG,highlighting that ETT should be considered in the presence of abnormal hCG.A total laparoscopic hysterectomy is recommended.展开更多
In this study, the immuno-response of recombinant hCG-β and natural hCGβ was comparatively investigated by using Freund's adjuvant. The results showed that, the properties and merits of the antibodies elicited b...In this study, the immuno-response of recombinant hCG-β and natural hCGβ was comparatively investigated by using Freund's adjuvant. The results showed that, the properties and merits of the antibodies elicited by both kinds of hCG-β were similar. The antisera had high affinity for binding with hCG (Kαγβ≈5.86×108/mol/L, Kαβ≈8.18×108/mol/L), and were found to be effective in inhibiting the binding of 125I-hCG to receptors in rat testes. Results also indicated that, similar to the antisera induced by natural hCG-β, the recombinant hCG-β induced antisera had capacity of neutralizing the biological activities of hCG. Recombinant hCG-β could be used as an immunogen for contraceptive vaccine.展开更多
As one of the earliest markers for predicting pregnancy outcomes, human chorionic gonadotropin(h CG) values have been inconclusive on reliability of the prediction after frozen and fresh embryo transfer(ET). In this r...As one of the earliest markers for predicting pregnancy outcomes, human chorionic gonadotropin(h CG) values have been inconclusive on reliability of the prediction after frozen and fresh embryo transfer(ET). In this retrospective study, patients with positive h CG(day 12 after transfer) were included to examine the h CG levels and their predictive value for pregnancy outcomes following 214 fresh and 1513 vitrified-warmed single-blastocyst transfer cycles. For patients who got clinical pregnancy, the mean initial h CG value was significantly higher after frozen cycles than fresh cycles, and the similar result was demonstrated for patients with live births(LB). The difference in h CG value existed even after adjusting for the potential covariates. The area under curves(AUC) and threshold values calculated by receiver operator characteristic curves were 0.944 and 213.05 m IU/m L for clinical pregnancy after fresh ET, 0.894 and 399.50 m IU/m L for clinical pregnancy after frozen ET, 0.812 and 222.86 m IU/m L for LB after fresh ET, and 0.808 and 410.80 m IU/mL for LB after frozen ET with acceptable sensitivity and specificity, respectively. In conclusion, single frozen blastocyst transfer leads to higher initial h CG values than single fresh blastocyst transfer, and the initial h CG level is a reliable predictive factor for predicting IVF outcomes.展开更多
Angiotensin-(1 - 7) [Ang-(1 - 7)] is an endogenous heptapeptide hormone of the renin-angiotensin system that has antiproliferative properties. The aim of this work was to evaluate the anti-proliferative and pro-apopto...Angiotensin-(1 - 7) [Ang-(1 - 7)] is an endogenous heptapeptide hormone of the renin-angiotensin system that has antiproliferative properties. The aim of this work was to evaluate the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic properties of Ang-(1 - 7) and of Ang-(1 - 7)-substituents 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) e Ang II-derivatives containing the TOAC (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl-4-amino-4-carboxylic acid) in normal (MCF10A) and in tumoral (MCF7) epithelial mammary cell lines. Both cell lines received an hCG and angiotensin peptides 24-hour treatment, in combination or alone followed by cell viability, apoptosis and cell cycle assays performed by flow cytometer (GUAVA). After hCG, Ang-(1 - 7), hCG + Ang-(1 - 7) and hCG + Ang-(1 - 7)-Fmoc treatments, MCF7 displayed cell viability decrease and mid-apoptosis increase. We also observed cell viability decrease in MCF10A after Ang-(1 - 7), Ang-(1 - 7) Fmoc and hCG + AngII Toac treatments. These cells had an increase in late apoptosis and necrosis after AngII Toac, hCG + Ang-(1 - 7) and hCG + Ang-(1 - 7)-Fmoc treatments. Regarding the cell cycle analysis, we did not observed any changes in cell cycle phases. In summary, cell viability was decreased and apoptosis (initial, mid and late) was increased after hCG and/or Ang-(1 - 7) peptides treatments. These results point out hCG and Ang-(1 - 7) as effective compounds to inhibit cell proliferation, since they decrease cell viability and increase apoptosis in both normal and in tumoral breast cells, being the effect more pronounced in the tumoral cell line. Our results support the idea of investigating more closely the putative use of these compounds as novel therapeutic agents for breast cancer.展开更多
Objective:To explore the effect of different fertilization time after human chorionic gonadotropin(HCG)injection on the outcome of fertilization in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET).Methods:One thousand one ...Objective:To explore the effect of different fertilization time after human chorionic gonadotropin(HCG)injection on the outcome of fertilization in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET).Methods:One thousand one hundred and forty IVF-ET cycles from January 2016 to August 2018 were analyzed retrospectively.According to the different fertilization time after injection of HCG divided into four groups:Group A(38.0 h~39.0 h),Group B(39.1 h~40.0 h),Group C(40.1 h~41.0 h),and Group D(41.1 h~42.0 h).The normal fertilization rate,the normal cleavage rate,the embryo utilization rate,the high-quality embryo rate,the clinical pregnancy rate,the implantation rate,and the spontaneous abortion rate were analyzed among the groups.Then we investigated the effect of different promotion methods on the outcome of fertilization during the optimal fertilization time.Results:There was no significant difference in 2PN cleavage rate,available embryo rate,clinical pregnancy rate,implantation rate and abortion rate among the four groups(P>0.05).The high-quality embryo rate in Group D(44.6%)was the highest,and was significantly different among the four groups(P<0.05).The normal fertilization rate in Group D(71.6%)was the highest,and was significantly different among the four groups(P<0.05).The normal fertilization rate(78.1%)of antagonist group was significantly higher than other groups(P<0.05).Conclusion:The different fertilization time after HCG injection have effects on high-quality embryo rate and normal fertilization rate of patients in IVF-ET.The appropriate fertilization time of patients in IVF-ET was 41 h~42 h after HCG injection in our reproductive center,improved the clinical pregnancy rate and reduced the early abortion rate.The GnRH-ant protocol is superior to other protocol in IVF-ET.展开更多
From the published data, the present mini-review attempts to answer two fundamental questions about the gestational trophoblastic neoplasms. In addition, it extrapolates the findings to other cancers that produce smal...From the published data, the present mini-review attempts to answer two fundamental questions about the gestational trophoblastic neoplasms. In addition, it extrapolates the findings to other cancers that produce small amounts of hCG and how a novel therapies could be developed.展开更多
Seperation and purifitation of human chorionic gonadotropion (HCG) in theurine sample of early pregnant women by D3520 resin adsorption chromatographyis repaied. The crude product obtained by DEAE - Cellulose 23 and ...Seperation and purifitation of human chorionic gonadotropion (HCG) in theurine sample of early pregnant women by D3520 resin adsorption chromatographyis repaied. The crude product obtained by DEAE - Cellulose 23 and DEAE Sephadex A50 column chromatography showed a high activity of HCG. Furtherpurifikation of the sample by gel filtration chromatography on a Sephadex G75 column gives a final preparation of 6000～ 6500 IU/mg. The preparation meets therequiTements of the pyrogn test in Chinese Law of Pharmacopoeia.展开更多
Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is often associated with permanent cerebral palsy,neurosensory impairments,and cognitive deficits,and there is no effective treatment for complications related to hypoxic-ische...Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is often associated with permanent cerebral palsy,neurosensory impairments,and cognitive deficits,and there is no effective treatment for complications related to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.The therapeutic potential of human placental chorionic plate-derived mesenchymal stem cells for various diseases has been explored.However,the potential use of human placental chorionic plate-derived mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy has not yet been investigated.In this study,we injected human placental chorionic plate-derived mesenchymal stem cells into the lateral ventricle of a neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy rat model and observed significant improvements in both cognitive and motor function.Protein chip analysis showed that interleukin-3 expression was significantly elevated in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy model rats.Following transplantation of human placental chorionic plate-derived mesenchymal stem cells,interleukin-3 expression was downregulated.To further investigate the role of interleukin-3 in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy,we established an in vitro SH-SY5Y cell model of hypoxic-ischemic injury through oxygen-glucose deprivation and silenced interleukin-3 expression using small interfering RNA.We found that the activity and proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation were further suppressed by interleukin-3 knockdown.Furthermore,interleukin-3 knockout exacerbated neuronal damage and cognitive and motor function impairment in rat models of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.The findings suggest that transplantation of hpcMSCs ameliorated behavioral impairments in a rat model of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy,and this effect was mediated by interleukin-3-dependent neurological function.展开更多
Objective:To determine whether maternal β-human chorionic gonadotropin(β-hCG) level in second-trimester may be associated with subsequent development of pregnancy-induced hypertension(PIH).Methods:Seven hundred and ...Objective:To determine whether maternal β-human chorionic gonadotropin(β-hCG) level in second-trimester may be associated with subsequent development of pregnancy-induced hypertension(PIH).Methods:Seven hundred and sixty-two women in mid-trimester were to have maternal urine β-hCG standardized concentrations and maternal serum β-hCG measurements.Their case histories were recorded and reviewed from mid-trimester to delivery.The relation was observed between maternal urine,serum markers and subsequent development of PIH.Results:Among 762 women,504 cases were normal pregnancies,42 cases had PIH,94 cases had premature rupture of membrane (PROM),69 cases had preterm delivery (PD),53 other cases were excluded by various reasons.The levels of maternal urine,serum β-hCG in PIH were (61.75±9.78) IU/L and (304.56±54.17) ng/mg respectively,which were higher significantly than normal pregnancy group ([20.65±7.61] IU/L and [146.34±47.81] ng/mg,P<0.05).When maternal serum,urine β-hCG levels ≥2 MOM(multiple of mean),the incidences of developing PIH were increased significantly as compared with those of β-hCG <2 MOM women.The incidence of PIH increased from 5.1% in pregnancies with urine β-hCG ≥2 MOM to 11.7% in cases with urine β-hCG ≥4 MOM.Conclusion:The elevation of maternal mid-trimester urine,serum β-hCG levels is not only an early signal for dysfunction of placenta but also a dangerous signal for development of PIH.Second-trimester maternal urine β-hCG measurement proves to be superior to serum marker in clinical prediction.展开更多
To study the expression of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (βhCG) genes in renal cell carcinomas (RCC) and benign renal disease tissues, nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and restricti...To study the expression of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (βhCG) genes in renal cell carcinomas (RCC) and benign renal disease tissues, nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and restriction endonuclease analysis were employed to detect the expression of βhCG genes in 44 cases of RCC tissues and 24 cases of benign renal disease tissues It was found that 52% RCC samples revealed positive for βhCG mRNA expression Positive rate in advanced stage and poorly differentiated RCC was higher, but there was no significant difference The positive rate of βhCG mRNA expression was 54% in 24 cases of benign renal tissues, including 3 cases out of 6 polycystic kidneys, 7 cases out of 13 renal atrophies, 2 cases out of 2 oncocytomas and 1 case out of 2 pyonephrotic kidneys β7 was most frequently transcribed subtype gene independent on the histology These findings suggested βhCG gene transcription is not only involved in RCC but also in benign renal diseases展开更多
Human chorionic gonadotropin （hCG） level in cerebrospinal fluid （CSF hCG） is very useful for thediagnosis of intracranial germinoma. We have previously reported on two patients with germinoma located in the basal ...Human chorionic gonadotropin （hCG） level in cerebrospinal fluid （CSF hCG） is very useful for thediagnosis of intracranial germinoma. We have previously reported on two patients with germinoma located in the basal ganglia. Their CSF hCG levels were extremely low upon presentation.1 However, significantly increased CSF hCG levels were detected when these two patients had a relapse. The experience acquired in these two cases is helpful to appropriately interpret the CSF hCG levels that are used to detect intracranial germinoma, evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and monitor recurrence.展开更多
The purpose of this experiment was to observe the alterations in bioactivity of chorionic gonadotropin (CG) associated with early fetal loss (EFL), induced by the environmental toxin TCDD (2,3,7,8\|tetrachlorodibenzo\...The purpose of this experiment was to observe the alterations in bioactivity of chorionic gonadotropin (CG) associated with early fetal loss (EFL), induced by the environmental toxin TCDD (2,3,7,8\|tetrachlorodibenzo\| p \|dioxin) in the cynomolgus macaque. Ten of twelve females administered single doses of 1, 2 or 4 μg/kg TCDD on gestational day (GD) 12 had EFL from ten to twenty days later. Seven control animals treated only with the vehicle had normal pregnancies. Blood samples were repeatedly collected for hormone evaluation, from two days before treatment to thirty\|one days following treatment. Immunoreactive monkey chorionic gonadotropin (mCG) was measured in serum using ELISA, and bioactive mCG was measured using a luminescence LH/CG bioassay. No change in immunoreactive mCG levels was detected as a result of TCDD, treatment, but bioactive mCG levels were significantly lower in TCDD\|treated animals compared to controls. This change in bioactivity of mCG was also reflected in the ratio of mCG bioactivity to mCG immunoreactivity (B/I ratio) which began to rise in normal pregnancies by GD 20, but did not rise in TCDD treated animals. These results demonstrate that normal pregnancy in the monkey, as in humans, is characterized by a post\|implantation change in the B/I ratio of CG. These findings therefore suggest that changes in the production of bioactive CG may be used as a biomarker of environmental toxicant exposures which lead to EFL.展开更多
Background:Compared to adult studies,studies which involve the treatment of pediatric congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism(CHH)are limited and no universal treatment regimen is available.The aim of this study was ...Background:Compared to adult studies,studies which involve the treatment of pediatric congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism(CHH)are limited and no universal treatment regimen is available.The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG)/human menopausal gonadotropin(hMG)therapy for treating male adolescents with CHH.Methods:Male adolescent CHH patients were treated with hCG/hMG(n=20)or a gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH)pump(n=21).The treatment was divided into a study phase(0-3 months)and a follow-up phase(3-12 months).The testicular volume(TV),penile length(PL),penis diameter(PD),and sex hormone levels were compared between the two groups.The TV and other indicators between the groups were analyzed using a t-test(equal variance)or a rank sum test(unequal variance).Results:Before treatment,there was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of the biochemistry,hormones,and other demographic indicators.After 3 months of treatment,the TV of the hCG/hMG and GnRH groups increased to 5.1±2.3 mL and 4.1±1.8 mL,respectively;however,the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05,t=1.394).The PL reached 6.9±1.8 cm and 5.1±1.6 cm(P<0.05,t=3.083),the PD reached 2.4±0.5 cm and 2.0±0.6 cm(P<0.05,t=2.224),respectively,in the two groups.At the end of 6 months of treatment,biomarkers were in normal range in the two groups.Compared with the GnRH group,the testosterone(T)level and growth of PL and PD were significantly greater in the hCG/hMG group(all P<0.05).While the TV of both groups increased,the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05,t=0.314).After 9 to 12 months of treatment,the T level was higher in the hCG/hMG group.Other parameters did not exhibit a statistical difference.Conclusions:The hCG/hMG regimen is feasible and effective for treating male adolescents with CHH.The initial 3 months of treatment may be a window to optimally observe the strongest effects of therapy.Furthermore,results from the extended time-period showed positive outcomes at the 1-year mark;however,the long-term effectiveness,strengths,and weaknesses of the hCG/hMG regimen require further research.Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT02880280;https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02880280.展开更多
Objective To describe two clinical cases involving patients who were administered 800 IU of hCG to trigger oocyte maturation and who underwent a frozen-thawed embryo transfer （FET） cycle. Methods Two infertile patie...Objective To describe two clinical cases involving patients who were administered 800 IU of hCG to trigger oocyte maturation and who underwent a frozen-thawed embryo transfer （FET） cycle. Methods Two infertile patients with high ovarian response undergoing stimulation for IVF,, in which 800 IU of hCG was injected by mistake. IVF patients treated under a short protocol with 800 IU of hCG triggering ovulation. Live birth, clinical pregnancy outcomes and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome （OHSS） were observed. Results Neither cycle of the two patients was canceled for oocyte retrieval failure and no OHSS was observed. Both patients gave birth to live twins after FET. Conclusion Triggering oocyte maturation in two hyper-responders by employing 800 IU of hCG could produce a good quantity of good-quality oocytes and an excellent clinical pregnancy and retain the opportunity for conception and live birth. Broader studies are needed.展开更多
Gon adotropin therapy is comm only used to in duce virilizati on and spermatoge nesis in male isolated hypog on adotropic hypog on adism (IHH) patients. In clinical practice, 5.6%-15.0% of male IHH patients show poor ...Gon adotropin therapy is comm only used to in duce virilizati on and spermatoge nesis in male isolated hypog on adotropic hypog on adism (IHH) patients. In clinical practice, 5.6%-15.0% of male IHH patients show poor responses to gonadotropin treatment;therefore, testosterone (T) suppleme ntation can serve as an alter native therapy to no rmalize serum T levels and promote virilization. However, treatment with exogenous T impairs spermatogenesis and suppresses intratesticular T levels. This retrospective study aimed to determine whether oral testosterone undeca noate (TU) suppleme ntation together with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) would negatively affect spermatogenesis in IHH patients compared with hCG alone. One hundred and seven IHH patients were included in our study. Fifty-four patients received intramuscular hCG and oral TU, and 53 patients received intramuscular hCG alone. The median follow-up time was 29 (range: 12-72) mon ths in both groups. Compared with the hCG group, the hCG/TU group required a shorter median time to normalize serum T levels (P < 0.001) and achieve Tanner stage (III and V) of pubic hair and genital development (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the rate of seminal spermatozoa appearance, sperm concentration, or median time to achieve different sperm concentration thresholds between the groups. In addition, there were no significant differences in side effects, such as acne and gynecomastia, observed in both groups. This study indicates that oral TU supplementation together with hCG does not impair spermatogenesis in treated IHH patients compared with hCG alone, and it shortens the time to normalize serum T levels and promote virilization.展开更多
Neurotensin was found present in human early placenta using RIA and its release was demonstrated by in vitro perfusion experiment.Immunohistochemical staining revealed lots of NT-positive granules in early placental ...Neurotensin was found present in human early placenta using RIA and its release was demonstrated by in vitro perfusion experiment.Immunohistochemical staining revealed lots of NT-positive granules in early placental villi. Functional testing displayed NT′s inhibitory effect on release of hCG and progesterone from incubated early placenta. This result suggests the potential use of NT as an agent for terminating early pregnancy.展开更多
Objective: To evaluate the effect of domestic human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) in treat-ment of anovulatory infertility Method:Sequential regimen with HMG and hCG were used in 110 cases with a total of 198 treat-me...Objective: To evaluate the effect of domestic human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) in treat-ment of anovulatory infertility Method:Sequential regimen with HMG and hCG were used in 110 cases with a total of 198 treat-ment cycles, average 1. 8 cycles per patent and 33. 8 ampules of HMG per cycle. The dosage of hCG for induction of ovulation was divided into three groups: 10 000IU, 15 000IU, and 25 000IU. Methods used for monitoring ovulation were BBT,cervical mucus score,ultrasonography and hormone assays.Results: The ovulation rate per case was 99. 1 % and percycle was 94%; the pregnancy rate per case was 50% (37% for primary amenorrhea and 58% for secondary amenorrhea) and per cycle was 27%.Among the 55 pregnant women 44 delivered and 11 aborted. There were 8 twin pregnancies The compli-caton of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) was encountered in 38 cases (34% ): mild in 12 (10.9%), moderate in 21 (19.0%) and severe in 5 (4. 5%).Conclusion:Domestic HMG showed satisfactory results in the treatment of hypogonadotrophic a-menorrhea or anovulatory infertility.展开更多
Iris du Pré, a professional pianist, wanted a second child, did not conceive quickly and was injected in 1944 by a doctor in Oxford with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG). The doctor joked “This child will...Iris du Pré, a professional pianist, wanted a second child, did not conceive quickly and was injected in 1944 by a doctor in Oxford with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG). The doctor joked “This child will be a racehorse winner!” In January 1945, Jacqueline du Pré, the remarkable, world-famous cellist was born. In the 1920's and 1930's, animal experimentation and clinical studies had shown that pituitary glycoproteins stimulated the ovary (follicle-stimulating hormone, FSH) and the corpus luteum (luteal-stimulating hormone, LH) which prepared the human womb for embedding a fertilized ovum and that pregnant mare’s blood and urine contained the glycoprotein, PMSG whose origin was placental cells, but surprisingly in humans had the actions of both FSH and LH. However, the PMSG serum alone did not bring about pregnancy. The doctor did not know that without subsequent injection of another factor in correct sequence and timing, PMSG was pointless. In 1947, a placental glycoprotein, found in the 1920's in urine of pregnant women (human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG), when injected in mice subsequent to PMSG, achieved ovulation but not pregnancy. Human application of those findings was extremely risky due to impurities (up to 95%). The Federal Drug Administration (FDA), established in 1938, requested easily bye-passed marketing safety. Companies offered material “sufficiently” purified;professional bodies negated clinical use, tempting to a few. Evidence also suggests that, to sustain pregnancy the doctor also prescribed the new “eostrogen”, diethyl stilbestrol (DES) of negative fame. In 1947, the Nuremberg Code of ethics demanded human experiments by qualified personnel and trials preceded by adequate animal studies. It is not the case here. From five, du Pré had a most exceptional musical memory, almost obsessive musicality and a very difficult school-time socially. Later history: adult masculine build, awkward gait, tendency to recurrent depressions from mid-adolescence, unbalanced thyroidal metabolism, symptoms of numbness in late teens, long breaks for rest from age 25, MS diagnosis at 28 when unable to play, death aged 42. Yet at sixteen and after, she astounded all with technique, passion and unique musical interpretation. Her husband, an outstanding musician: “She had a capacity to imagine sound such as I never met in any other musician”. A close musician colleague: “... it was done before she was born”;perhaps much closer to the truth than realization, for her history it may suggest a fetal neurodevelopment abused in the womb.展开更多
Objective： To study the clinical effects of Prescription Zhuyun-Ⅲ （助孕3号方, ZYⅢ） on early pregnant women diagnosed as threatened abortion, and its mechanism in immunity and endocrine by determining serum Th1- a...Objective： To study the clinical effects of Prescription Zhuyun-Ⅲ （助孕3号方, ZYⅢ） on early pregnant women diagnosed as threatened abortion, and its mechanism in immunity and endocrine by determining serum Th1- and Th2-type cytokines, progesterone, and β-human chorionic gonadotropin （β-HCG）. Methods： The treatment group comprised 30 early pregnant women diagnosed as threatened abortion of deficiency syndrome of Pi （脾）, Shen （肾）, or both. The control group consisted of 20 normal early pregnant women of similar gestational age. Patients in the treatment group were administered with ZYⅢ for 4 weeks. Peripheral blood samples were collected pre- and post-treatment from both the treatment and the control groups. Serum Thl-type cytokine [interleukin-2 （IL-2）] and Th2-type cytokine [interleukin-10 （IL-10）] were determined by flow cytometry, and serum progesterone and 13-HCG were determined by ELISA. Results： （1） The treatment was effective in 26 and ineffective in 4 patients of the treatment group. Therefore, the cure percentage was 86.67%. （2） In the treatment group before the treatment, IL-2 was significantly higher, IL-10 tended to be less, and the Th1/Th2 balance shifted toward Thl compared with those in the control group. （3） After the treatment, IL-2 was decreased, IL-10 was increased, and IL-2/IL-10 was decreased. Both progesterone and β-HCG were increased. Changes of progesterone were positively correlated with changes of IL-10, whereas changes of β-HCG were negatively correlated with changes of IL-2. Conclusions： Our study suggests that ZYⅢ has an evident function of protecting the fetus, and one of its mechanisms is inhibiting the secretion of Thl cytokines, promoting the secretion of Th2 cytokines, and recovering the pathological shift of the Th1/Th2 balance. The other possible mechanism is increasing serum progesterone and β-HCG concentrations. Moreover, there are some correlations between the above two effects.展开更多
Background The second-trimester maternal serum screening in twin pregnancy is still controversial, as the serum marker levels in twins are not as clear as those in singletons. This study aimed to evaluate the relation...Background The second-trimester maternal serum screening in twin pregnancy is still controversial, as the serum marker levels in twins are not as clear as those in singletons. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the levels of the second-trimester maternal serum free β-human chorionic gonadotropin （free β-HCG） and a-fetoprotein （AFP） in normal twin and singleton pregnancies and to estimate feasible analysis methods for utilizing these markers in second trimester screening for twin pregnancy. Methods On the basis of a prospective population-based study of second-trimester maternal serum screening, the concentrations of maternal serum AFP and free β-HCG of 195 normal twin pregnancy and 26 512 singleton controls at gestational weeks 15 to 20 were measured by time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay in one laboratory. The levels of markers were compared between the twins and singletons using weight-correction and gestational age-specific model. Results According to the research protocol, 95 communities were randomly sampled, which covered the whole Jiangsu province, the east of China. A total of 26 803 pregnant women （98%）, from the target population accepted prenatal screening for maternal serum AFP, β-HCG detection, and all babies were followed up for at least six months. There were 197 （0.73%） twin pregnancies, of which one case had fetal trisomy 18, and one case with fetal anencephaly. The others were normal twin pregnancy. From a total enrollment of 26 803 women participants, 26 512 women with normal singleton pregnancies were selected as the model controls. The other 291 pregnancies, including trisomy 21, neural tube defect （NTD）, trisomy 18, and other fetal abnormalities, were excluded. No significant differences were found in the medians of gestational age-specific maternal serum free β-hCG and AFP in normal twin pregnancy comparing with twice those in model controls with the exception of the medians for free β-hCG during the 16th gestational week （P=0.012）. Conclusion The weight-correction and gestational age-specific levels of Chinese Han population maternal serum free β-hCG and AFP in normal twins were twice the levels as those in the singleton controls during the 17-19 gestational weeks.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor(ETT)is an extremely rare malignant gestational trophoblastic neoplasm commonly presenting with abnormal vaginal bleeding,abdominal pain,and increased human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG).This study reported a case of uterine ETT with the main manifestation being increased hCG.CASE SUMMARY A 39-year-old female was referred to the Ningbo Maternal and Child Hospital of China in December 2022,complaining of increased hCG levels for 1 month.Magnetic resonance imaging revealed gestational trophoblastic tumor,and hysteroscopic electrotomy and curettage of intrauterine hyperplasia were performed.The patient was diagnosed with uterine ETT through postoperative pathological examination and immunohistochemical results.Total laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy were performed,and hCG levels returned to normal.The patient was without recurrence during the postoperative 3-month follow-up.CONCLUSION This study reported a case of uterine ETT with the main manifestation being increased hCG,highlighting that ETT should be considered in the presence of abnormal hCG.A total laparoscopic hysterectomy is recommended.
文摘In this study, the immuno-response of recombinant hCG-β and natural hCGβ was comparatively investigated by using Freund's adjuvant. The results showed that, the properties and merits of the antibodies elicited by both kinds of hCG-β were similar. The antisera had high affinity for binding with hCG (Kαγβ≈5.86×108/mol/L, Kαβ≈8.18×108/mol/L), and were found to be effective in inhibiting the binding of 125I-hCG to receptors in rat testes. Results also indicated that, similar to the antisera induced by natural hCG-β, the recombinant hCG-β induced antisera had capacity of neutralizing the biological activities of hCG. Recombinant hCG-β could be used as an immunogen for contraceptive vaccine.
文摘As one of the earliest markers for predicting pregnancy outcomes, human chorionic gonadotropin(h CG) values have been inconclusive on reliability of the prediction after frozen and fresh embryo transfer(ET). In this retrospective study, patients with positive h CG(day 12 after transfer) were included to examine the h CG levels and their predictive value for pregnancy outcomes following 214 fresh and 1513 vitrified-warmed single-blastocyst transfer cycles. For patients who got clinical pregnancy, the mean initial h CG value was significantly higher after frozen cycles than fresh cycles, and the similar result was demonstrated for patients with live births(LB). The difference in h CG value existed even after adjusting for the potential covariates. The area under curves(AUC) and threshold values calculated by receiver operator characteristic curves were 0.944 and 213.05 m IU/m L for clinical pregnancy after fresh ET, 0.894 and 399.50 m IU/m L for clinical pregnancy after frozen ET, 0.812 and 222.86 m IU/m L for LB after fresh ET, and 0.808 and 410.80 m IU/mL for LB after frozen ET with acceptable sensitivity and specificity, respectively. In conclusion, single frozen blastocyst transfer leads to higher initial h CG values than single fresh blastocyst transfer, and the initial h CG level is a reliable predictive factor for predicting IVF outcomes.
基金supported by Grants number 2007/56480-0,2008/54383-0 and 2011/10516-0 from the Sao Paulo Research Foundation(FAPESP)-Brazil.
文摘Angiotensin-(1 - 7) [Ang-(1 - 7)] is an endogenous heptapeptide hormone of the renin-angiotensin system that has antiproliferative properties. The aim of this work was to evaluate the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic properties of Ang-(1 - 7) and of Ang-(1 - 7)-substituents 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) e Ang II-derivatives containing the TOAC (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl-4-amino-4-carboxylic acid) in normal (MCF10A) and in tumoral (MCF7) epithelial mammary cell lines. Both cell lines received an hCG and angiotensin peptides 24-hour treatment, in combination or alone followed by cell viability, apoptosis and cell cycle assays performed by flow cytometer (GUAVA). After hCG, Ang-(1 - 7), hCG + Ang-(1 - 7) and hCG + Ang-(1 - 7)-Fmoc treatments, MCF7 displayed cell viability decrease and mid-apoptosis increase. We also observed cell viability decrease in MCF10A after Ang-(1 - 7), Ang-(1 - 7) Fmoc and hCG + AngII Toac treatments. These cells had an increase in late apoptosis and necrosis after AngII Toac, hCG + Ang-(1 - 7) and hCG + Ang-(1 - 7)-Fmoc treatments. Regarding the cell cycle analysis, we did not observed any changes in cell cycle phases. In summary, cell viability was decreased and apoptosis (initial, mid and late) was increased after hCG and/or Ang-(1 - 7) peptides treatments. These results point out hCG and Ang-(1 - 7) as effective compounds to inhibit cell proliferation, since they decrease cell viability and increase apoptosis in both normal and in tumoral breast cells, being the effect more pronounced in the tumoral cell line. Our results support the idea of investigating more closely the putative use of these compounds as novel therapeutic agents for breast cancer.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81460236)Major Science and Technology Program of Hainan Province(No.ZDKJ2017007)Innovative Project for Postgraduate of Hainan Province(No.Hys2018-281)。
文摘Objective:To explore the effect of different fertilization time after human chorionic gonadotropin(HCG)injection on the outcome of fertilization in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET).Methods:One thousand one hundred and forty IVF-ET cycles from January 2016 to August 2018 were analyzed retrospectively.According to the different fertilization time after injection of HCG divided into four groups:Group A(38.0 h~39.0 h),Group B(39.1 h~40.0 h),Group C(40.1 h~41.0 h),and Group D(41.1 h~42.0 h).The normal fertilization rate,the normal cleavage rate,the embryo utilization rate,the high-quality embryo rate,the clinical pregnancy rate,the implantation rate,and the spontaneous abortion rate were analyzed among the groups.Then we investigated the effect of different promotion methods on the outcome of fertilization during the optimal fertilization time.Results:There was no significant difference in 2PN cleavage rate,available embryo rate,clinical pregnancy rate,implantation rate and abortion rate among the four groups(P>0.05).The high-quality embryo rate in Group D(44.6%)was the highest,and was significantly different among the four groups(P<0.05).The normal fertilization rate in Group D(71.6%)was the highest,and was significantly different among the four groups(P<0.05).The normal fertilization rate(78.1%)of antagonist group was significantly higher than other groups(P<0.05).Conclusion:The different fertilization time after HCG injection have effects on high-quality embryo rate and normal fertilization rate of patients in IVF-ET.The appropriate fertilization time of patients in IVF-ET was 41 h~42 h after HCG injection in our reproductive center,improved the clinical pregnancy rate and reduced the early abortion rate.The GnRH-ant protocol is superior to other protocol in IVF-ET.
文摘From the published data, the present mini-review attempts to answer two fundamental questions about the gestational trophoblastic neoplasms. In addition, it extrapolates the findings to other cancers that produce small amounts of hCG and how a novel therapies could be developed.
文摘Seperation and purifitation of human chorionic gonadotropion (HCG) in theurine sample of early pregnant women by D3520 resin adsorption chromatographyis repaied. The crude product obtained by DEAE - Cellulose 23 and DEAE Sephadex A50 column chromatography showed a high activity of HCG. Furtherpurifikation of the sample by gel filtration chromatography on a Sephadex G75 column gives a final preparation of 6000～ 6500 IU/mg. The preparation meets therequiTements of the pyrogn test in Chinese Law of Pharmacopoeia.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82001604Guizhou Provincial Higher Education Science and Technology Innovation Team,No.[2023]072+1 种基金Guizhou Province Distinguished Young Scientific and Technological Talent Program,No.YQK[2023]040Guizhou Provincial Basic Research Program(Natural Science),No.ZK[2021]-368(all to LXiong),and Zunyi City Innovative Talent Team Training Plan,No.[2022]-2.
文摘Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is often associated with permanent cerebral palsy,neurosensory impairments,and cognitive deficits,and there is no effective treatment for complications related to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.The therapeutic potential of human placental chorionic plate-derived mesenchymal stem cells for various diseases has been explored.However,the potential use of human placental chorionic plate-derived mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy has not yet been investigated.In this study,we injected human placental chorionic plate-derived mesenchymal stem cells into the lateral ventricle of a neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy rat model and observed significant improvements in both cognitive and motor function.Protein chip analysis showed that interleukin-3 expression was significantly elevated in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy model rats.Following transplantation of human placental chorionic plate-derived mesenchymal stem cells,interleukin-3 expression was downregulated.To further investigate the role of interleukin-3 in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy,we established an in vitro SH-SY5Y cell model of hypoxic-ischemic injury through oxygen-glucose deprivation and silenced interleukin-3 expression using small interfering RNA.We found that the activity and proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation were further suppressed by interleukin-3 knockdown.Furthermore,interleukin-3 knockout exacerbated neuronal damage and cognitive and motor function impairment in rat models of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.The findings suggest that transplantation of hpcMSCs ameliorated behavioral impairments in a rat model of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy,and this effect was mediated by interleukin-3-dependent neurological function.
文摘Objective:To determine whether maternal β-human chorionic gonadotropin(β-hCG) level in second-trimester may be associated with subsequent development of pregnancy-induced hypertension(PIH).Methods:Seven hundred and sixty-two women in mid-trimester were to have maternal urine β-hCG standardized concentrations and maternal serum β-hCG measurements.Their case histories were recorded and reviewed from mid-trimester to delivery.The relation was observed between maternal urine,serum markers and subsequent development of PIH.Results:Among 762 women,504 cases were normal pregnancies,42 cases had PIH,94 cases had premature rupture of membrane (PROM),69 cases had preterm delivery (PD),53 other cases were excluded by various reasons.The levels of maternal urine,serum β-hCG in PIH were (61.75±9.78) IU/L and (304.56±54.17) ng/mg respectively,which were higher significantly than normal pregnancy group ([20.65±7.61] IU/L and [146.34±47.81] ng/mg,P<0.05).When maternal serum,urine β-hCG levels ≥2 MOM(multiple of mean),the incidences of developing PIH were increased significantly as compared with those of β-hCG <2 MOM women.The incidence of PIH increased from 5.1% in pregnancies with urine β-hCG ≥2 MOM to 11.7% in cases with urine β-hCG ≥4 MOM.Conclusion:The elevation of maternal mid-trimester urine,serum β-hCG levels is not only an early signal for dysfunction of placenta but also a dangerous signal for development of PIH.Second-trimester maternal urine β-hCG measurement proves to be superior to serum marker in clinical prediction.
文摘To study the expression of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (βhCG) genes in renal cell carcinomas (RCC) and benign renal disease tissues, nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and restriction endonuclease analysis were employed to detect the expression of βhCG genes in 44 cases of RCC tissues and 24 cases of benign renal disease tissues It was found that 52% RCC samples revealed positive for βhCG mRNA expression Positive rate in advanced stage and poorly differentiated RCC was higher, but there was no significant difference The positive rate of βhCG mRNA expression was 54% in 24 cases of benign renal tissues, including 3 cases out of 6 polycystic kidneys, 7 cases out of 13 renal atrophies, 2 cases out of 2 oncocytomas and 1 case out of 2 pyonephrotic kidneys β7 was most frequently transcribed subtype gene independent on the histology These findings suggested βhCG gene transcription is not only involved in RCC but also in benign renal diseases
文摘Human chorionic gonadotropin （hCG） level in cerebrospinal fluid （CSF hCG） is very useful for thediagnosis of intracranial germinoma. We have previously reported on two patients with germinoma located in the basal ganglia. Their CSF hCG levels were extremely low upon presentation.1 However, significantly increased CSF hCG levels were detected when these two patients had a relapse. The experience acquired in these two cases is helpful to appropriately interpret the CSF hCG levels that are used to detect intracranial germinoma, evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and monitor recurrence.
文摘The purpose of this experiment was to observe the alterations in bioactivity of chorionic gonadotropin (CG) associated with early fetal loss (EFL), induced by the environmental toxin TCDD (2,3,7,8\|tetrachlorodibenzo\| p \|dioxin) in the cynomolgus macaque. Ten of twelve females administered single doses of 1, 2 or 4 μg/kg TCDD on gestational day (GD) 12 had EFL from ten to twenty days later. Seven control animals treated only with the vehicle had normal pregnancies. Blood samples were repeatedly collected for hormone evaluation, from two days before treatment to thirty\|one days following treatment. Immunoreactive monkey chorionic gonadotropin (mCG) was measured in serum using ELISA, and bioactive mCG was measured using a luminescence LH/CG bioassay. No change in immunoreactive mCG levels was detected as a result of TCDD, treatment, but bioactive mCG levels were significantly lower in TCDD\|treated animals compared to controls. This change in bioactivity of mCG was also reflected in the ratio of mCG bioactivity to mCG immunoreactivity (B/I ratio) which began to rise in normal pregnancies by GD 20, but did not rise in TCDD treated animals. These results demonstrate that normal pregnancy in the monkey, as in humans, is characterized by a post\|implantation change in the B/I ratio of CG. These findings therefore suggest that changes in the production of bioactive CG may be used as a biomarker of environmental toxicant exposures which lead to EFL.
基金supported by a grant from Jin Lei Pediatric Endocrinology Growth Research Fund for Young Physicians(PEGRF)(No.PEGRF201809006).
文摘Background:Compared to adult studies,studies which involve the treatment of pediatric congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism(CHH)are limited and no universal treatment regimen is available.The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG)/human menopausal gonadotropin(hMG)therapy for treating male adolescents with CHH.Methods:Male adolescent CHH patients were treated with hCG/hMG(n=20)or a gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH)pump(n=21).The treatment was divided into a study phase(0-3 months)and a follow-up phase(3-12 months).The testicular volume(TV),penile length(PL),penis diameter(PD),and sex hormone levels were compared between the two groups.The TV and other indicators between the groups were analyzed using a t-test(equal variance)or a rank sum test(unequal variance).Results:Before treatment,there was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of the biochemistry,hormones,and other demographic indicators.After 3 months of treatment,the TV of the hCG/hMG and GnRH groups increased to 5.1±2.3 mL and 4.1±1.8 mL,respectively;however,the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05,t=1.394).The PL reached 6.9±1.8 cm and 5.1±1.6 cm(P<0.05,t=3.083),the PD reached 2.4±0.5 cm and 2.0±0.6 cm(P<0.05,t=2.224),respectively,in the two groups.At the end of 6 months of treatment,biomarkers were in normal range in the two groups.Compared with the GnRH group,the testosterone(T)level and growth of PL and PD were significantly greater in the hCG/hMG group(all P<0.05).While the TV of both groups increased,the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05,t=0.314).After 9 to 12 months of treatment,the T level was higher in the hCG/hMG group.Other parameters did not exhibit a statistical difference.Conclusions:The hCG/hMG regimen is feasible and effective for treating male adolescents with CHH.The initial 3 months of treatment may be a window to optimally observe the strongest effects of therapy.Furthermore,results from the extended time-period showed positive outcomes at the 1-year mark;however,the long-term effectiveness,strengths,and weaknesses of the hCG/hMG regimen require further research.Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT02880280;https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02880280.
文摘Objective To describe two clinical cases involving patients who were administered 800 IU of hCG to trigger oocyte maturation and who underwent a frozen-thawed embryo transfer （FET） cycle. Methods Two infertile patients with high ovarian response undergoing stimulation for IVF,, in which 800 IU of hCG was injected by mistake. IVF patients treated under a short protocol with 800 IU of hCG triggering ovulation. Live birth, clinical pregnancy outcomes and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome （OHSS） were observed. Results Neither cycle of the two patients was canceled for oocyte retrieval failure and no OHSS was observed. Both patients gave birth to live twins after FET. Conclusion Triggering oocyte maturation in two hyper-responders by employing 800 IU of hCG could produce a good quantity of good-quality oocytes and an excellent clinical pregnancy and retain the opportunity for conception and live birth. Broader studies are needed.
基金the grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project No. 81671443, 81601270).
文摘Gon adotropin therapy is comm only used to in duce virilizati on and spermatoge nesis in male isolated hypog on adotropic hypog on adism (IHH) patients. In clinical practice, 5.6%-15.0% of male IHH patients show poor responses to gonadotropin treatment;therefore, testosterone (T) suppleme ntation can serve as an alter native therapy to no rmalize serum T levels and promote virilization. However, treatment with exogenous T impairs spermatogenesis and suppresses intratesticular T levels. This retrospective study aimed to determine whether oral testosterone undeca noate (TU) suppleme ntation together with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) would negatively affect spermatogenesis in IHH patients compared with hCG alone. One hundred and seven IHH patients were included in our study. Fifty-four patients received intramuscular hCG and oral TU, and 53 patients received intramuscular hCG alone. The median follow-up time was 29 (range: 12-72) mon ths in both groups. Compared with the hCG group, the hCG/TU group required a shorter median time to normalize serum T levels (P < 0.001) and achieve Tanner stage (III and V) of pubic hair and genital development (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the rate of seminal spermatozoa appearance, sperm concentration, or median time to achieve different sperm concentration thresholds between the groups. In addition, there were no significant differences in side effects, such as acne and gynecomastia, observed in both groups. This study indicates that oral TU supplementation together with hCG does not impair spermatogenesis in treated IHH patients compared with hCG alone, and it shortens the time to normalize serum T levels and promote virilization.
文摘Neurotensin was found present in human early placenta using RIA and its release was demonstrated by in vitro perfusion experiment.Immunohistochemical staining revealed lots of NT-positive granules in early placental villi. Functional testing displayed NT′s inhibitory effect on release of hCG and progesterone from incubated early placenta. This result suggests the potential use of NT as an agent for terminating early pregnancy.
文摘Objective: To evaluate the effect of domestic human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) in treat-ment of anovulatory infertility Method:Sequential regimen with HMG and hCG were used in 110 cases with a total of 198 treat-ment cycles, average 1. 8 cycles per patent and 33. 8 ampules of HMG per cycle. The dosage of hCG for induction of ovulation was divided into three groups: 10 000IU, 15 000IU, and 25 000IU. Methods used for monitoring ovulation were BBT,cervical mucus score,ultrasonography and hormone assays.Results: The ovulation rate per case was 99. 1 % and percycle was 94%; the pregnancy rate per case was 50% (37% for primary amenorrhea and 58% for secondary amenorrhea) and per cycle was 27%.Among the 55 pregnant women 44 delivered and 11 aborted. There were 8 twin pregnancies The compli-caton of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) was encountered in 38 cases (34% ): mild in 12 (10.9%), moderate in 21 (19.0%) and severe in 5 (4. 5%).Conclusion:Domestic HMG showed satisfactory results in the treatment of hypogonadotrophic a-menorrhea or anovulatory infertility.
文摘Iris du Pré, a professional pianist, wanted a second child, did not conceive quickly and was injected in 1944 by a doctor in Oxford with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG). The doctor joked “This child will be a racehorse winner!” In January 1945, Jacqueline du Pré, the remarkable, world-famous cellist was born. In the 1920's and 1930's, animal experimentation and clinical studies had shown that pituitary glycoproteins stimulated the ovary (follicle-stimulating hormone, FSH) and the corpus luteum (luteal-stimulating hormone, LH) which prepared the human womb for embedding a fertilized ovum and that pregnant mare’s blood and urine contained the glycoprotein, PMSG whose origin was placental cells, but surprisingly in humans had the actions of both FSH and LH. However, the PMSG serum alone did not bring about pregnancy. The doctor did not know that without subsequent injection of another factor in correct sequence and timing, PMSG was pointless. In 1947, a placental glycoprotein, found in the 1920's in urine of pregnant women (human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG), when injected in mice subsequent to PMSG, achieved ovulation but not pregnancy. Human application of those findings was extremely risky due to impurities (up to 95%). The Federal Drug Administration (FDA), established in 1938, requested easily bye-passed marketing safety. Companies offered material “sufficiently” purified;professional bodies negated clinical use, tempting to a few. Evidence also suggests that, to sustain pregnancy the doctor also prescribed the new “eostrogen”, diethyl stilbestrol (DES) of negative fame. In 1947, the Nuremberg Code of ethics demanded human experiments by qualified personnel and trials preceded by adequate animal studies. It is not the case here. From five, du Pré had a most exceptional musical memory, almost obsessive musicality and a very difficult school-time socially. Later history: adult masculine build, awkward gait, tendency to recurrent depressions from mid-adolescence, unbalanced thyroidal metabolism, symptoms of numbness in late teens, long breaks for rest from age 25, MS diagnosis at 28 when unable to play, death aged 42. Yet at sixteen and after, she astounded all with technique, passion and unique musical interpretation. Her husband, an outstanding musician: “She had a capacity to imagine sound such as I never met in any other musician”. A close musician colleague: “... it was done before she was born”;perhaps much closer to the truth than realization, for her history it may suggest a fetal neurodevelopment abused in the womb.
基金Supported by Guangdong Province Key Scientific and Technological Project(No.C30103)
文摘Objective： To study the clinical effects of Prescription Zhuyun-Ⅲ （助孕3号方, ZYⅢ） on early pregnant women diagnosed as threatened abortion, and its mechanism in immunity and endocrine by determining serum Th1- and Th2-type cytokines, progesterone, and β-human chorionic gonadotropin （β-HCG）. Methods： The treatment group comprised 30 early pregnant women diagnosed as threatened abortion of deficiency syndrome of Pi （脾）, Shen （肾）, or both. The control group consisted of 20 normal early pregnant women of similar gestational age. Patients in the treatment group were administered with ZYⅢ for 4 weeks. Peripheral blood samples were collected pre- and post-treatment from both the treatment and the control groups. Serum Thl-type cytokine [interleukin-2 （IL-2）] and Th2-type cytokine [interleukin-10 （IL-10）] were determined by flow cytometry, and serum progesterone and 13-HCG were determined by ELISA. Results： （1） The treatment was effective in 26 and ineffective in 4 patients of the treatment group. Therefore, the cure percentage was 86.67%. （2） In the treatment group before the treatment, IL-2 was significantly higher, IL-10 tended to be less, and the Th1/Th2 balance shifted toward Thl compared with those in the control group. （3） After the treatment, IL-2 was decreased, IL-10 was increased, and IL-2/IL-10 was decreased. Both progesterone and β-HCG were increased. Changes of progesterone were positively correlated with changes of IL-10, whereas changes of β-HCG were negatively correlated with changes of IL-2. Conclusions： Our study suggests that ZYⅢ has an evident function of protecting the fetus, and one of its mechanisms is inhibiting the secretion of Thl cytokines, promoting the secretion of Th2 cytokines, and recovering the pathological shift of the Th1/Th2 balance. The other possible mechanism is increasing serum progesterone and β-HCG concentrations. Moreover, there are some correlations between the above two effects.
文摘Background The second-trimester maternal serum screening in twin pregnancy is still controversial, as the serum marker levels in twins are not as clear as those in singletons. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the levels of the second-trimester maternal serum free β-human chorionic gonadotropin （free β-HCG） and a-fetoprotein （AFP） in normal twin and singleton pregnancies and to estimate feasible analysis methods for utilizing these markers in second trimester screening for twin pregnancy. Methods On the basis of a prospective population-based study of second-trimester maternal serum screening, the concentrations of maternal serum AFP and free β-HCG of 195 normal twin pregnancy and 26 512 singleton controls at gestational weeks 15 to 20 were measured by time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay in one laboratory. The levels of markers were compared between the twins and singletons using weight-correction and gestational age-specific model. Results According to the research protocol, 95 communities were randomly sampled, which covered the whole Jiangsu province, the east of China. A total of 26 803 pregnant women （98%）, from the target population accepted prenatal screening for maternal serum AFP, β-HCG detection, and all babies were followed up for at least six months. There were 197 （0.73%） twin pregnancies, of which one case had fetal trisomy 18, and one case with fetal anencephaly. The others were normal twin pregnancy. From a total enrollment of 26 803 women participants, 26 512 women with normal singleton pregnancies were selected as the model controls. The other 291 pregnancies, including trisomy 21, neural tube defect （NTD）, trisomy 18, and other fetal abnormalities, were excluded. No significant differences were found in the medians of gestational age-specific maternal serum free β-hCG and AFP in normal twin pregnancy comparing with twice those in model controls with the exception of the medians for free β-hCG during the 16th gestational week （P=0.012）. Conclusion The weight-correction and gestational age-specific levels of Chinese Han population maternal serum free β-hCG and AFP in normal twins were twice the levels as those in the singleton controls during the 17-19 gestational weeks.
