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Background <p>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.</p> Objective <p>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.</p> Result <p>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.</p> Conclusion <p>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.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>

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

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月14日

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

摘要

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.

Graphical abstract