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Matrix metalloproteinases-9 in preterm and term human parturition
1Perinatology Research Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
The Journal of Maternal-Fetal Medicine
|September 4, 1999
Summary
Parturition involves changes in enzymes that break down fetal membranes. Specifically, matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) increases during labor, while tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) decreases with gestational age.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Biochemistry
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Parturition involves myometrial contractility, cervical ripening, and fetal membrane extracellular matrix degradation.
- Fetal membrane degradation is evidenced by fibronectin leakage into cervico-vaginal secretions.
- This study investigates the role of matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) in parturition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if parturition is associated with increased bioavailability of MMP-9 and TIMP-1.
- To examine the relationship between MMP-9 and TIMP-1 concentrations and gestational age and labor status.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of women in midtrimester, preterm labor, term not in labor, and term in labor groups.
- Measurement of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 concentrations using immunoassays in amniotic fluid and cervico-vaginal secretions.
Main Results:
- Spontaneous term labor showed increased MMP-9 but not TIMP-1.
- Preterm labor associated with premature delivery had higher MMP-9 concentrations.
- TIMP-1 concentrations decreased with gestational age, while MMP-9 concentrations remained stable.
Conclusions:
- Spontaneous human parturition is linked to specific alterations in the enzymatic system responsible for extracellular matrix degradation.
- MMP-9 plays a significant role in the process of labor and delivery.