Buy Gonadotropin hCG lyophilisate for preparing intramuscular solution 1000 units No. 5 in pharmacies

Human chorionic gonadotropin is a special hormone that is part of the group of glycoproteins. Human chorionic gonadotropin was first studied by science at the beginning of the twentieth century, in 1920. Subsequent studies revealed that hCG in the female body begins to be produced during pregnancy. The hormone is a product of the synthesis of placental syncytiotrophoblast and is responsible for increasing the production of progesterone, the most important hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy. Also, due to the action of the hormone, the body of a pregnant woman stops the processes that cause menstruation. Today, human chorionic gonadotropin can be measured through blood and urine tests. It is human chorionic gonadotropin that is taken into account as an indicator in a pregnancy test.

HCG is used in medical practice to induce ovulation in women. Laboratory and clinical practice shows that by extracting hCG from the urine of pregnant women, it is possible to produce drugs for the treatment of infertility.

When should you take a β-hCG test?

For women:

early diagnosis of pregnancy; prenatal screening of fetal development pathologies; amenorrhea; diagnosis and control of treatment of trophoblastic pathologies; dynamics of chronic placental insufficiency; suspicion of threatened spontaneous abortion or frozen pregnancy; suspicion of ectopic attachment of the embryo; monitoring the course of pregnancy over time; control over the implementation of artificial abortion. For men:

differential diagnosis of testicular tumors.

Human chorionic gonadotropin - what is the drug for?

Modern pharmacology obtains human chorionic gonadotropin by extracting the substance from the urine of pregnant women. It is used to activate the production of hormones in the ovaries, to support and stimulate spermatogenesis and the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

For the prevention and treatment of male diseases, human chorionic gonadotropin is prescribed for hypogenitalism, adiposogenital syndrome, and oligoasthenospermia. The hormone is also used for undescended testicles in the scrotum and sexual infantilism or eunuchoidism.

It is prohibited to use human chorionic gonadotropin with the following contraindications:

• prostate and breast cancer;
• renal dysfunction;
• acute heart failure;
• asthma;
• epilepsy.

Detailed description of the study

HCG is synthesized by placental cells during pregnancy. It consists of two subunits: α and β. The first is contained in the hormones of TSH, FSH and LH, the second is unique, so a blood test for pregnancy is carried out specifically on it. A positive test result can be obtained 10–11 days after conception.

Unlike pregnancy tests from pharmacies, electrochemiluminescent immunoassay testing allows you to detect pregnancy even before the delay. This is due to the fact that the amount of the hormone in the blood increases faster than in the urine. The synthesis of hCG in the body begins on the first day of implantation of the fertilized egg and continues throughout pregnancy. Until weeks 7-11, the concentration of the hormone doubles every day, and then begins to gradually decrease.

Properties of hCG:

supports the activity of the corpus luteum in the first trimester; triggers the production of estrogen and progesterone to maintain pregnancy; stimulates Leydig cells that produce testosterone in the male fetus. The hCG test is also used for a comprehensive study to assess the risk of abnormalities in fetal development in combination with tests for free estriol and alpha-fetoprotein.

The beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin is one of the subunits of the molecule of a specific hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin, formed in the membrane of the human embryo. The analysis is carried out for the purpose of early diagnosis of pregnancy, identification of its complications and diagnosis of diseases associated with impaired hCG secretion.

Synonyms Russian

Beta subunit of hCG.

English synonyms

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, hCG, b-HCG, Quantitative hCG; Beta hCG, Total hCG, Total beta hCG.

Research method

Electrochemiluminescent immunoassay (ECLIA).

Determination range: 0.1 - 1,000,000 IU/l.

Units

IU/L (international unit per liter).

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Venous blood.

How to properly prepare for research?

• Do not smoke for 30 minutes before the test.

General information about the study

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that is produced in the membranes of the human embryo. It is an important indicator of the development of pregnancy and its deviations. It is produced by chorion cells (the membrane of the embryo) immediately after its attachment to the wall of the uterus (this happens only a few days after fertilization). The embryo at this stage of pregnancy is a microscopic bubble filled with liquid, the walls of which consist of rapidly multiplying cells. From one part of these cells the unborn child develops (embryoblast), while from the cells located outside the embryo, the trophoblast is formed - that part of the fertilized egg with which it attaches to the wall of the uterus. Subsequently, the chorion is formed from the trophoblast.

The chorion performs the function of feeding the embryo, being an intermediary between the body of the mother and the child. In addition, it produces chorionic gonadotropin, which, on the one hand, affects the formation of the child, and on the other, has a specific effect on the mother’s body, ensuring a successful pregnancy. The appearance of this hormone in the body of the expectant mother at the initial stage of pregnancy explains the importance of the test for the early diagnosis of pregnancy.

Human chorionic gonadotropin stimulates the secretory function of the corpus luteum of the ovaries, which should produce the hormone progesterone, which maintains the normal state of the inner lining of the uterine wall - the endometrium. The endometrium ensures reliable attachment of the fertilized egg to the mother’s body and supplies it with all the necessary substances.

Thanks to a sufficient amount of human chorionic gonadotropin, the corpus luteum, which normally exists only about 2 weeks during each menstrual cycle, does not undergo resorption upon successful conception and remains functionally active throughout the entire pregnancy. Moreover, it is precisely in pregnant women that, under the influence of human chorionic gonadotropin, it produces very large amounts of progesterone. In addition, hCG stimulates the production of estrogens and weak androgens by ovarian cells and promotes the development of the functional activity of the chorion itself, and subsequently the placenta, which is formed as a result of the maturation and growth of chorionic tissue, improving its own nutrition and increasing the number of chorionic villi.

Thus, the role of human chorionic gonadotropin is to have a specific and multifaceted effect on the body of the woman and the fetus in order to ensure a successful pregnancy. Based on an analysis for human chorionic gonadotropin, the presence of chorionic tissue in a woman’s body is determined, and hence pregnancy.

According to its chemical structure, human chorionic gonadotropin is a compound of protein and complex carbohydrates, consisting of two parts (subunits): alpha and beta. The alpha subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin is completely identical to the alpha subunits of luteinizing, follicle-stimulating and thyroid-stimulating hormones of the pituitary gland, which perform functions largely similar to the function of human chorionic gonadotropin, but not during pregnancy. The beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin is unique, which, on the one hand, determines the specificity of its action, and on the other, allows it to be identified in biological environments. In this regard, this test is called “beta subunit human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG).”

Knowing the level of beta-hCG in the blood, it is possible to diagnose pregnancy already on the 6-8th day after conception (in the urine the concentration of beta-hCG reaches the diagnostic level 1-2 days later). Normally, during pregnancy, between the 2nd and 5th week, the amount of beta-hCG doubles every 1.5 days. In multiple pregnancies, it increases in proportion to the number of fetuses. The hCG level reaches its maximum in the 10-11th week, and then gradually decreases. This occurs due to the fact that from the beginning of the 2nd third of pregnancy, the placenta is able to independently produce enough estrogens and progesterone, with the participation of which the endometrium functions normally regardless of the secretion of hormones in the corpus luteum of the ovaries. At the same time, the concentration of hCG in the blood of a pregnant woman gradually decreases, and the corpus luteum can function without the influence of hCG. During this period, the role of the hormone is to stimulate the production of testosterone in the fetus, which is necessary for the normal development of the external genitalia of the embryo.

Thus, during pregnancy, the level of beta-hCG in the blood first increases and then decreases. Using this indicator, one can judge the successful course of pregnancy and identify fetal development disorders. A test for hCG in the blood is the most reliable method for determining pregnancy in the early stages. HCG appears in a woman’s body from 6-8 days after fertilization. A common rapid pregnancy test, which every woman can use at home, is also based on measuring hCG in the urine.

Hormone levels below normal at various stages of fetal development suggest an ectopic pregnancy, delayed fetal development, threatened spontaneous abortion, non-developing pregnancy, or insufficiency of placental function. The cause of increased levels of beta-hCG may be toxicosis, diabetes mellitus, or an incorrectly determined gestational age. A high level of the hormone after a mini-abortion indicates a progressive pregnancy.

Determination of the level of hCG is included in a triple test study, the results of which can be used to judge some abnormalities of fetal development, but an accurate diagnosis cannot be made. The study only allows us to classify a woman as a risk group for this pathology. In this case, further examination is necessary. In non-pregnant women, hCG is normally absent, but it can be secreted by some abnormal tissues originating from the chorion (hydatidiform mole, chorionepithelioma) and some other tumors.

What is the research used for?

• For diagnosing pregnancy, including multiple pregnancy, ectopic and non-developing.
• To monitor the progress of pregnancy.
• To identify delays in fetal development, threat of spontaneous abortion, insufficiency of placental function.
• For the diagnosis of amenorrhea.
• To monitor the effectiveness of induced abortion.
• As part of a comprehensive examination to identify fetal malformations.
• For the diagnosis of tumors producing hCG.

When is the study scheduled?

• If you suspect a pregnancy, in particular multiple pregnancy.
• When monitoring the progress of pregnancy.
• When there is an assumption of a complication during pregnancy: delayed fetal development, threat of spontaneous abortion, non-developing or ectopic pregnancy, chronic insufficiency of placental function.
• If necessary, confirm the successful completion of an induced abortion.
• During a comprehensive examination to identify fetal malformations.
• When determining the cause of the absence of menstruation (amenorrhea).
• When is the diagnosis of hCG-producing tumors carried out?

What do the results mean?

Reference values

Causes of increased beta-hCG levels

In the absence of pregnancy, the beta-hCG test result should be negative. The detection of beta-hCG suggests that at least 5-6 days have passed since fertilization. Between the 2nd and 5th weeks of pregnancy, during its normal course, the level of beta-hCG doubles every 1.5 days and soon reaches its maximum. Then it begins to slowly decline. The results of the analysis are compared with normal values ​​for each stage of pregnancy. To correctly interpret the results, it is necessary to know exactly when conception occurred.

In pregnant women:

• multiple pregnancy (indicator increases in proportion to the number of fetuses),
• toxicosis,
• prolonged pregnancy,
• diabetes mellitus in mother,
• fetal malformations,
• taking synthetic hormones.

Not for pregnant women:

• tumors producing hCG,
• surgical abortion (first 4-5 days after the procedure),
• taking hCG drugs.

Reasons for decreased beta-hCG levels (during pregnancy):

• ectopic or non-developing pregnancy,
• delay in fetal development,
• threat of spontaneous abortion,
• chronic placental insufficiency,
• fetal death (in the 2nd-3rd trimester of pregnancy).

What can influence the result?

• When diagnosing pregnancy, performing the test too early - when less than 5 days have passed since conception - can lead to a false negative result.

What is human chorionic gonadotropin in the male body?

The hormone is practically not present in a man’s body; high levels of gonadotropin in tests indicate a deviation from the norm or the use of appropriate medications. Basically, the use of human chorionic gonadotropin is used during the prevention of testicular atrophy during a course of anabolic steroids.

When using HCG independently, and not according to a doctor’s prescription based on tests, the following side effects are observed:

• estrogen levels increase;
• gynecomastia;
• acne;
• retention of water and salts in the body;
• sebaceous plugs;
• changes in water balance;
• completeness;
• During adolescence, bone growth stops.

The use of the hormone is prescribed strictly according to the indications of the attending physician. In this case, the doctor is obliged to inform the patient about the likelihood of the formation of oncological processes that can form during therapy in rare cases. Prescribing a course of gonadotropin is occasionally used to correct the balance of testosterone levels during menopause in men.

Problems with hCG are not uncommon. However, nowadays medicine has a sufficiently high level of development to provide assistance for such pathologies. By contacting the IVF Center clinic in Yekaterinburg, you will receive treatment from highly qualified specialists and examination using the most modern equipment.

Side effects[edit | edit code]

When taking human chorionic gonadotropin preparations, the same side effects may occur as when taking testosterone. With increased testosterone production, estrogen levels also increase, which can result in gynecomastia (enlargement of the mammary glands). Men experience noticeable breast growth. Some athletes therefore combine hCG with antiestrogens. Athletes also report more frequent erections and increased sexual interest. In high doses, the drug can cause acne, as well as the accumulation of water and mineral salts in the body. You should pay attention first of all to the last of the above, since excess water can lead, in turn, to swollen, baggy, watery muscles. In very young athletes, human chorionic gonadotropin, like anabolic steroids, can cause bone growth to terminate prematurely, resulting in short stature. One of the side effects that athletes should pay attention to is described in the book “Death in the Room 2” by B. Toldman: “An interesting aspect that entails the incorrect use of this drug is that men finally one day notice, that they feel as if they are pregnant, as they begin to suffer from obesity, vomiting, morning sickness, i.e., all the symptoms that usually delight women...” (cited by Ostapenko, Klestov, 2002).

Human chorionic gonadotropin preparations were widely used by athletes of the former GDR with its centrally controlled doping practices, which B. Berendonk describes in detail in his book “Doping” (Berendonk, 1992).

Experts have an extremely negative attitude towards the use of gonadotropins and gonadotropin-releasing factors as agents that increase testosterone levels in the body, since drugs of this group are used in medicine either as diagnostic tools or for the treatment of certain forms of infertility. As can be seen from all of the above, they do not have any “normalizing” effect on the functional state of the neuroendocrine system, but only prolong the “agony”, temporarily pushing back, but also deepening the “post-steroid” hole. In addition, excessive stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary and testicular system is fraught with extremely dangerous side effects, including the development of cancer.

Unfortunately, the lack of scientific information (in a form accessible to the coach and athlete) about the effect of these drugs on the athlete’s body contributes to the spread of “revelations” like the following (we found on the Internet, we quote verbatim): “After a course of anabolic steroids, or growth hormones with insulin and thyroid medications, it is extremely important to properly restore the body’s hormonal levels. Almost all available materials on this topic recommend immediately taking a course of gonadotropin. But on what basis are such recommendations made? Yes, just from habitual practice. I am also a practitioner and also have the results of observations of athletes both during courses with various drugs and after them. There cannot be simple recipes here, and there shouldn’t be, this work is too important, both for the athlete’s health and for his future sports career! You need to start with a mandatory examination of the hormonal system... Of course, you need to correctly assess your condition at the time of discontinuation of the course, as well as your medical history, after which you will contact a good doctor, preferably a sports one... It will be possible to truly assess the state of the hormonal system, and in the future, observing the dynamics changes, even adjusting your condition, as well as taking certain medications...” We will not comment. It’s just a shame that there are obviously doctors, and “...preferably sports ones...” who can advise this, and it’s a pity for the athletes who trust such doctors.

Source:

conclusions

1. Prescription in stimulated cycles of Menogon, Menopur, Merional, Humog, Bravel, Alterpur, Gonal-F, Puregon, Follitrope and Pergoveris is accompanied by significantly non-different IVF results in terms of NNBSC and NNBPE in a non-selective population of infertile patients no older than 42 years.

2. Of the 10 GT drugs tested in IVF programs, in terms of price/quality, the winner is Humog, which is classified as a generic that copies the original menotropins such as Menogon and Menopur.

3. Relatively less effective according to the analyzed IVF effectiveness criteria (in comparison with other HT drugs used) is Follitrop, a generic copying Gonal-F (α-follitropin).

There is no conflict of interest.

results

When studying the effect of HT prescribed in our study on the clinical outcomes of IVF, Menogon was used as a reference drug (playing the role of a control), with which the results of treatment using other inducers of folliculogenesis were compared. The choice of Menogon as a reference drug is justified by the fact that Menogon is the “oldest” (in terms of time of appearance on the pharmaceutical market) of those compared by G.T. It can also be recalled that other HT drugs were actually developed to improve the treatment results achieved with the use of Menogon and other first-generation menotropins. They tried to achieve this through better purification of the active components obtained from the urine of menopausal women, optimization of the composition of GT (pure FSH instead of the combination of FSH + LH) or by using alternative sources of their production (recombinant GT instead of human). In addition, Menogon was used as a reference drug also because in the cohort of patients included in our study, it was prescribed with the highest frequency - in 25.8% of all SCs (see Table 1).

Analysis of the therapeutic effectiveness of the HT drugs used showed that, in comparison with Menogon (control), none of them significantly improved, but did not worsen the results of IVF in terms of NNBSC (Table 2) and NNBPE (Table 3). It is noteworthy that an increase in the age of patients over 35 years was associated with an approximately 1.5-fold decrease in the indicators of NBISC and NNBPE, and this pattern manifested itself against the background of the use of not only the reference drug (i.e. Menogon), but also any other of the used GT.

Table 2. Clinical outcomes of IVF according to the NBSCC indicator when using the compared HT drugs Note. Here and in the table. 2-5: in parentheses - the absolute number of women out of the total number who took this drug.

Table 3. Clinical outcomes of IVF according to the NNTPE indicator when using the compared HT drugs

It can also be stated that the frequency of interruption of IVF treatment cycles at the pre-transfer stage when using Menogon and any of the HT drugs compared with it was not statistically significantly different (Table 4). This pattern was observed both in relatively young (<36 years) and older (36-42 years) women.

Table 4. Frequency of interruption of the IVF treatment cycle at the pre-transfer stage when using the compared HT drugs

When analyzing the reasons for interruption of IVF attempts at the pre-transfer stage, it was found that they had certain differences in patients of different age groups. Thus, if in patients under 36 years of age the threat of early OHSS accounted for 33.3% of the reasons for refusal of ET, then in the age group 36-42 years only 2.3% of cases of pre-transfer IVF interruption were associated with this reason ( p

<0.001).
Cases of failure to receive or lack of fertilization of oocytes, as well as the lack of oocytes suitable for ET due to defective embryogenesis, totaled 59.6% of the reasons for refusal of ET in patients under 36 years of age, while in women 36-42 years old their share increased to 91. 2% ( p
<0.001).
The reasons for refusal of IVF not related to the ongoing IVF attempt (acute or exacerbation of chronic diseases during the period of the SC, non-medical reasons that caused a change in the initial reproductive plans) accounted for approximately the same shares in the structure of all cases of pre-transfer interruption of IVF - 11.1% in patients under 36 years and 7.9% in patients 36–42 years old ( p
= 0.482).

In relation to what is presented in table. 5 of the material, it should be explained that these data characterize the cumulative (against the background of all 10 HT drugs used) structure of the causes of pre-transfer IVF interruption. It was not possible to carry out a similar analysis for each of the HT drugs used in our work due to the too small absolute number of cases of refusal of PE in the groups where the compared HT drugs were used. Nevertheless, it is logical to assume that the patterns identified in the analysis of the reasons for refusing PE in all patients who received one or another of the 10 compared HTs apply to any of the groups that were allocated taking into account the specific HT drug prescribed.

Table 5. Structure of reasons for interrupting the IVF treatment cycle at the pre-transfer stage in patients of different ages