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A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
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A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development

Published on: June 24, 2020

Amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 indicates intra-amniotic infection

S R Angus1, S Y Segel, C D Hsu

  • 1Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-6142, USA.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|November 22, 2001
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) shows promise as a diagnostic marker for intra-amniotic infection. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for MMP-8 may aid in detecting this infection in pregnant women experiencing preterm labor.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background:

  • Intra-amniotic infection (IAI) is a significant complication during pregnancy, often associated with preterm labor and adverse neonatal outcomes.
  • Accurate and timely diagnosis of IAI is crucial for effective management and to prevent complications.
  • Neutrophil-derived matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) has been investigated as a potential indicator of inflammatory processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) as a diagnostic marker for intra-amniotic infection (IAI).
  • To assess the performance of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detecting MMP-8 in amniotic fluid.
  • To determine the correlation between MMP-8 levels and culture-proven IAI in women with preterm labor.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study was conducted involving 77 women with preterm labor and intact membranes or preterm premature rupture of membranes.
  • Amniotic fluid samples were collected via amniocentesis.
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to quantify matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) levels.

Main Results:

  • Matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) was detected in 27 out of 30 women with culture-proven intra-amniotic infection (IAI).
  • Only 10 out of 47 control specimens tested positive for MMP-8, indicating high specificity.
  • In women with intact membranes, the MMP-8 assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.95 and a specificity of 0.78 for detecting IAI.

Conclusions:

  • Matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) levels are strongly correlated with the presence of intra-amniotic infection (IAI).
  • ELISA for MMP-8 appears to be a clinically valuable tool for diagnosing IAI in pregnant women experiencing preterm contractions or labor.
  • MMP-8 shows potential as a reliable biomarker for early detection of IAI.

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