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Concentrative relationship between polymorphonuclear elastase and urinary trypsin inhibitor in amniotic fluid
1Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Central Aizu General Hospital, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan.
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
|June 2, 2000
Summary
Urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI) may protect amniotic fluid from polymorphonuclear elastase (PMNE). As PMNE levels rise and UTI levels fall near full term, PMNE may become more active, potentially indicating membrane rupture risk.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Obstetrics
- Protease Inhibitor Research
Background:
- Amniotic fluid contains urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI) which may inhibit polymorphonuclear elastase (PMNE).
- PMNE activity is implicated in tissue degradation, including collagen in amniotic membranes.
- Understanding the balance of PMNE and UTI is crucial for assessing pregnancy complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify concentrations of PMNE and UTI in amniotic fluid during different gestational periods.
- To investigate the relationship between PMNE and UTI levels in normal pregnancy.
- To evaluate the potential of the PMNE/UTI ratio as an indicator for membrane rupture.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of PMNE concentrations in amniotic fluid samples.
- Measurement of UTI concentrations in amniotic fluid samples.
- Comparison of concentrations at 16-20 and 38-40 gestational weeks.
Main Results:
- PMNE concentration significantly increased in late-term pregnancy (38-40 weeks).
- UTI concentration significantly decreased in late-term pregnancy (38-40 weeks).
- The observed changes suggest increased PMNE activation potential in full-term pregnancies.
Conclusions:
- The ratio of PMNE to UTI concentrations in amniotic fluid may serve as a reliable index for estimating the risk of membrane rupture.
- Elevated PMNE activity near term, due to decreased UTI, could contribute to amniotic collagen degradation.
- This finding has implications for predicting and managing preterm or term labor.