β-HCG as a Tumor Biomarker with Special Reference to Breast Cancer
Journal Title: Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research (BJSTR) - Year 2017, Vol 1, Issue 2
Abstract
Introduction Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a placental protein hormone initially secreted by cells (syncitiotrophoblasts) from the implanting conceptus. It supports the ovarian corpus luteum, endometrial lining and consequently maintains pregnancy [1]. The hormone can be detected in blood and urine, as it is the basis of many pregnancy tests. HCG plays many other roles including stimulating the onset of fetal gonadal steroidogenesis, promotion production of corpus luteal progesterone, immuno-suppression and blockage of phagocytosis of invading trophoblast cells, cytotrophoblast differentiation, growth and differentiation of fetal organs [2]. It is well known that a biomarker is any molecular and chemical changes that can be measured and used to study normal or abnormal process in the body. A tumor marker, like a biomarker, is a naturally occurring substance in the body. A tumor marker can be made by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer. Tumor markers can provide information that can be used to screen and diagnose cancer as well as identify the stage of cancer to monitor a treatment [3]. It was reported that although mammography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging scans, and tumor marker assays help in the staging and treatment of cancers, they are usually not definitive diagnostic tests. The diagnosis is mostly confirmed by biopsy [4]. Human chorionic gonadotropin is a glycoprotein composed of 237 amino acids, with α subunit (92 amino acids) and β subunit contains 145 amino acids. It can be used as a tumor marker, as its β subunit is secreted by cell tumor [5]. Breast cancer is the most often diagnosed tumor of women and one of the leading causes of death. The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin on development of cancer is controversial. In fact, for breast cancer there is evidence that this hormone has a protective effect against tumor genesis due the differentiation of the mammary tissue after a full term pregnancy through the down regulation of estrogen receptors. The mechanisms that explain the pro- and anticarcinogenic effects are not fully understood yet [6]. HCG increases uterine arterial blood flow and stimulates angiogenesis in the ovary by stimulating the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor [7]. It was concluded that high expression of β-HCG is seen more frequently in infiltrative ductal carcinoma with higher grade. There was a high β -HCG expression in high grade tumors of more than 5-cm diameter [8]. The beta subunit of human’s chronic gonadotropin is markedly over expressed by neoplastic cells of differing histological origin including those present in colon, breast, prostate and bladder tumors [9].
Authors and Affiliations
Rafal Al Rawi
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP569289
- DOI 10.26717/BJSTR.2017.01.000234
- Views 158
- Downloads 0
Threats and Strategies for Conservation of Indigenous Fish Fauna of Paschim Medinipur: A Review
Present work is a conceptual analysis and assessment of threats to indigenous fish fauna of Midnapur, West Bengal, India and suggestive remedies for protection of live gene bank of indigenous fish species. Development of...
Solublization Effect on Nano-h-BN Performance in New Lubricant Generation
h-BN nanoparticles when added to hydrocarbona base oil alone exhibit low friction and low wear-reducing abilities. In automotive oil the dispersantis one of the additives and participates in solubilization of h-BN nano-p...
What are you Feeding your kids?
Obesity is defined in general terms as a chronic illness characterized by an excess of body fat that arises mainly from the intake and use of caloric energy imbalance. When this state is present since childhood, the body...
Reconstruction of a Worn or Mutilated Dentition with the Utilization of an over Denture Appliance for a Patient with Enamel Deficiency - A Case Report
Background: Evidence suggests that the retention of mandibular roots for the preservation of bone in patients by utilizing an over denture is a conservative approach for a fixed and removable prosthetic reconstruction. C...
Correlation of Reduced Glutathione with Brest Cancer Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Cancer is a group of diseases that cause cells in the body to change and grow out of control. Most types of cancer cells eventually form a lump or mass called a tumor, and are named after the part of the body where the t...