MrRippedZilla
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This paper won't interest most since it deals with the molecular side of things but it got my attention after discovering how piss poor the knowledge of some GPs is. They think LH & hCG is the same thing - it isn't. Hell, some even think this stuff is completely irrelevant to men and that only women should be concerned about LH, etc...these people are responsible for treating you folks. It's scary.
Luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin: origins of difference
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are widely recognized for their roles in ovulation and the support of early pregnancy. Aside from the timing of expression, however, the differences between LH and hCG have largely been overlooked in the clinical realm because of their similar molecular structures and shared receptor. With technologic advancements, including the development of highly purified and recombinant gonadotropins, researchers now appreciate that these hormones are not as interchangeable as once believed. Although they bind to a common receptor, emerging evidence suggests that LH and hCG have disparate effects on downstream signaling cascades. Increased understanding of the inherent differences between LH and hCG will foster more effective diagnostic and prognostic assays for use in a variety of clinical contexts and support the individualization of treatment strategies for conditions such as infertility.
Main take home points
- hCG is more stable than LH and has a longer half-life, which gives it a greater level of receptor binding affinity due to being more biologically active. This is one of the reasons why hCG is prescribed rather than LH itself.
- LH & hCG bind to the same receptor but then trigger a different set of signals afterwards. LH works primarily through the AKT & ERK1/2 pathways while hCG is much more potent (up to 5x) at activating the cAMP pathway as seen below. This is actually an incredibly important distinction because by activating cAMP we get higher levels of PKA = more cholesterol entering the mitochondria, the rate limiting step for steroid synthesis. The activation of this cAMP-PKA pathway also allows us to suppress NROB2, which is good news for fertility. Finally, activating cAMP may, at least partially, explain why folks report feeling better with hCG being added to their TRT - you're replacing certain pathways that neither LH nor Testosterone are capable of replacing.
Conclusion
hCG is not the same as LH and may offer folks some distinct benefits that are primarily driven via cAMP activation. These benefits include maintaining ITT levels, testicular size, fertility and possibly improved mood & general well being by backfilling pathways that other stuff (test, LH) isn't capable of backfilling.
If any of you are dealing with a medical practitioner that doesn't understand the importance of LH to men or considers hCG & LH to basically be the same thing, I recommend switching to another practitioner as soon as possible. Inept is the right word here
Luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin: origins of difference
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are widely recognized for their roles in ovulation and the support of early pregnancy. Aside from the timing of expression, however, the differences between LH and hCG have largely been overlooked in the clinical realm because of their similar molecular structures and shared receptor. With technologic advancements, including the development of highly purified and recombinant gonadotropins, researchers now appreciate that these hormones are not as interchangeable as once believed. Although they bind to a common receptor, emerging evidence suggests that LH and hCG have disparate effects on downstream signaling cascades. Increased understanding of the inherent differences between LH and hCG will foster more effective diagnostic and prognostic assays for use in a variety of clinical contexts and support the individualization of treatment strategies for conditions such as infertility.
Main take home points
- hCG is more stable than LH and has a longer half-life, which gives it a greater level of receptor binding affinity due to being more biologically active. This is one of the reasons why hCG is prescribed rather than LH itself.
- LH & hCG bind to the same receptor but then trigger a different set of signals afterwards. LH works primarily through the AKT & ERK1/2 pathways while hCG is much more potent (up to 5x) at activating the cAMP pathway as seen below. This is actually an incredibly important distinction because by activating cAMP we get higher levels of PKA = more cholesterol entering the mitochondria, the rate limiting step for steroid synthesis. The activation of this cAMP-PKA pathway also allows us to suppress NROB2, which is good news for fertility. Finally, activating cAMP may, at least partially, explain why folks report feeling better with hCG being added to their TRT - you're replacing certain pathways that neither LH nor Testosterone are capable of replacing.
Conclusion
hCG is not the same as LH and may offer folks some distinct benefits that are primarily driven via cAMP activation. These benefits include maintaining ITT levels, testicular size, fertility and possibly improved mood & general well being by backfilling pathways that other stuff (test, LH) isn't capable of backfilling.
If any of you are dealing with a medical practitioner that doesn't understand the importance of LH to men or considers hCG & LH to basically be the same thing, I recommend switching to another practitioner as soon as possible. Inept is the right word here
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