[SHBG--new possibilities of diagnostic use in obstetrics and gynecology]

Recent literature review is suggesting the need to renew the traditional concept of SHBG as only a transport protein. The new role of SHBG relates to the evidence of its specific receptor on the cell membrane and an alternative signal pathway for sexual steroids. This review points to the importance of simultaneous measurements of SHBG along with determinations of the total sexual steroid concentration and informs of some new areas where SHBG can be used in laboratory diagnostics. In obstetrics the low levels of SHBG in the first half of pregnancy were reported as a promising early risk marker of the later development of preeclampsia.