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Infertility caused by HCG autoantibody
Fred Amato1, Graham M Warnes, Christine A Kirby
1Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Adelaide, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia 5011, Australia.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|March 13, 2002
Summary
An anti-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) autoantibody was identified in a patient experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss. This antibody interfered with hCG function, likely causing the patient's infertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Secondary infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss are significant clinical challenges.
- Autoimmune conditions can impact reproductive outcomes.
Observation:
- A patient with a history of infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss showed prolonged elevated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels despite regular cycles and good ovarian response.
- Gel chromatography revealed a high molecular weight hCG complex in the patient's serum.
- Direct binding assays confirmed the presence of an autoantibody against hCG in the patient's IgG fraction.
Findings:
- The identified anti-hCG autoantibody exhibited high capacity but low affinity for hCG.
- The antibody showed minimal cross-reactivity with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and hCG subunits.
- The patient's serum and purified IgG inhibited hCG's action in an in vitro bioassay.
Implications:
- Autoantibodies against hCG may play a role in unexplained infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss.
- Detection and characterization of such autoantibodies are crucial for diagnosing specific infertility cases.
- Understanding the impact of anti-hCG antibodies can inform targeted therapeutic strategies for reproductive disorders.