Biological markers on human pregnancy.
This article reviews a selected set of recently described pregnancy-associated proteins which possess potential for both signaling pregnancy onset and monitoring its course. These molecules are compared and contrasted with human chorionic gonadotropin, the first pregnancy-associated protein to be discovered, and the standard biomarker of pregnancy to which all others must still be referenced. Recent advances in hCG research have focused on the structural determination and diagnostic significance of the subunits and fragments of the hCG molecule, particularly in urine. An outline of the potential utility of this approach is also presented.
Canfield
R E
RE
Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032.
O'Connor
J F
JF
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000652:urine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D011258:Pregnancy Tests
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins