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The dual face of human chorionic gonadotropin in the CNS: neuroprotection, signaling, and possible pathological effects

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone critical for reproduction, particularly in pregnancy maintenance and fertility treatments. Beyond reproduction, hCG may influence immune regulation, cancer biology, and neurological processes. OBJECTIVE: This review critically examines the current evidence regarding the potential neurological effects of hCG, synthesizing findings from experimental and clinical studies to assess its proposed roles in neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and blood-brain barrier modulation. RESULT: Dysregulated hCG levels-arising from pregnancy complications, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), or hCG-secreting tumors-have been associated with markers of neurotoxicity, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and altered blood-brain barrier integrity. Evidence remains largely associative, and causal mechanisms linking hCG to neurobiological vulnerability are not yet established. Proposed pathways include modulation of immune cell activity, neurotransmitter signaling, and endothelial function. CONCLUSION: hCG exhibits a dual nature: essential for reproduction and immune adaptation, yet potentially neurotoxic under dysregulated conditions. This review synthesizes mechanistic hypotheses, highlights knowledge gaps, and underscores the need for rigorous longitudinal and experimental studies to clarify hCG's impact on the nervous system.

Source: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics

DOI: 10.1007/s00404-025-08251-9

Authors: Seyedehmaryam Hosseini, Pedram Ghanavati, Tayebeh Esfidani, Nadia Talati Reveshti, Hanie Babaei, Atoosa Etezadi