Beta-core fragment of human chorionic gonadotropin in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).
A low molecular weight glycoprotein immunologically identical with the beta-core fragment of hCG (beta C-hCG) has been described in invasive tumors of the genital tract, particularly carcinoma of the cervix. A previous report has also suggested increased urinary concentrations in subjects with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). This prospective study of 107 patients with CIN was conducted to determine concentrations of beta C-hCG in the urine compared to a reference population without CIN. All subjects underwent a cervical smear and colposcopy, with biopsy when indicated. Between 11 and 18% of patients had urinary concentrations of beta C-hCG greater than the upper limit of the reference group and these results were confirmed when corrected for urinary creatinine concentration. A substantial number of subjects (19%) also had a positive result in a C-terminal immunoassay. It is concluded that preinvasive carcinoma of the cervix may secrete hCG or beta C-hCG in the earliest stages although measurement of beta C-hCG is unlikely to prove to be a valuable diagnostic marker in CIN.
Norman
R J
RJ
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, S. Australia.
de Medeiros
S
S
Amato
F
F
Davis
G
G
Davy
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000473:pathology / Q000652:urine*; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000652:urine*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000652:urine*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000652:urine; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000652:urine*
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D010446:Peptide Fragments