The Role of HCG in Implantation: A Mini-Review of Molecular and Clinical Evidence

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences Vol. 18; no. 6; p. 1305
• Main Authors: Makrigiannakis, Antonis, Vrekoussis, Thomas, Zoumakis, Emmanouel, Kalantaridou, Sophia N, Jeschke, Udo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 19.06.2017; MDPI
• Subjects: Apoptosis; Birth rate; Cell adhesion & migration; Cell growth; Chorionic gonadotropin; Chorionic Gonadotropin - administration & dosage; Chorionic Gonadotropin - physiology; Chorionic Gonadotropin - therapeutic use; Clinical trials; Crosstalk; Decidua; Decidua - metabolism; Embryo Implantation; Embryo transfer; Embryo Transfer - methods; Embryos; Endometrium; Endometrium - metabolism; Failure; Female; Fertilization in Vitro - methods; Fibroblasts; Gonadotropins; Gynecology; human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG); Humans; Implantation; In vitro fertilization; Infertility; Medical schools; Metabolic pathways; Molecular modelling; Obstetrics; Pituitary (anterior); Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Review; Reviews; Steroids; Systematic review; Treatment Outcome; Vascular endothelial growth factor; Greece; infertility; implantation; human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms18061305

Embryo implantation is a complex process involving continuous molecular cross-talk between the embryo and the decidua. One of the key molecules during this process is human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). HCG effectively modulates several metabolic pathways within the decidua contributing to endometrial receptivity. Herein, a brief overview of the molecular mechanisms regulated by HCG is presented. Furthermore, we summarize the existing evidence regarding the clinical impact on reproductive outcomes after endometrial priming with HCG prior to embryo transfer. Although promising, further evidence is needed to clarify the protocol that would lead to beneficial outcomes.