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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
Detection of Functional Matrix Metalloproteinases by Zymography
Published on: November 8, 2010
Changes in matrix metalloproteinase 2 activities in amniochorions during premature rupture of membranes
Atsuyuki Ota1, Hisashi Yonemoto, Akimasa Someya
1Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. oota3017@yahoo.co.jp <oota3017@yahoo.co.jp>
Objective:
Increased proteolytic activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) such as MMP-3 and MMP-9 are associated with premature rupture of membranes at term. However, it is unclear whether MMP-2 is involved in the premature rupture of membranes. In this study, to elucidate the role of MMP-2, we evaluated the activity of MMP-2 and also the expression of pro-MMP-2, membrane type 1 (MT1)-MMP and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 in premature rupture of membranes.
Methods:
Amniochorions were prepared from 29 subjects with no labor (cesarean section; CS, n = 10), labor (normal delivery; ND, n = 10), and labor during premature rupture of membranes (PROM, n = 9). MMP-2 activity was spectrophotometrically assayed by measuring the digestion of an MMP-2-specific substrate. The levels of pro-MMP-2, MT1-MMP and TIMP-1 were determined by Western immunoblotting.
Results:
The activity of MMP-2 in PROM was significantly higher than that in CS and ND (P <.05). In addition, the levels of MT1-MMP, an activator of MMP-2, were higher in PROM than in CS and ND. In contrast, the level of TIMP-1, an inhibitor of MMP-2 was substantially lower in PROM than CS and ND. Moreover, the levels of pro-MMP-2 were increased more significantly in PROM and ND than in CS (P <.05).
Conclusion:
Our results suggest that the increased expression of pro-MMP-2 and MT1-MMP and decreased expression of TIMP-1 may result in the increased activity of MMP-2, which is involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) of fetal membrane, thereby inducing the premature rupture of membranes at term.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity increases in premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Elevated MT1-MMP and reduced TIMP-1 contribute to MMP-2 activation, degrading fetal membranes and causing PROM.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Biochemistry
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, specifically MMP-3 and MMP-9, is linked to premature rupture of membranes (PROM).
- The role of MMP-2 in PROM remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of MMP-2 in PROM.
- To evaluate MMP-2 activity and the expression of related proteins (pro-MMP-2, MT1-MMP, TIMP-1) in PROM.
Main Methods:
- Amniochorions were collected from women undergoing cesarean section (CS), normal delivery (ND), and PROM.
- MMP-2 activity was measured using a specific substrate assay.
- Levels of pro-MMP-2, MT1-MMP, and TIMP-1 were determined via Western immunoblotting.
Main Results:
- MMP-2 activity was significantly higher in PROM compared to CS and ND groups.
- Levels of MMP-2 activator MT1-MMP were elevated in PROM, while the inhibitor TIMP-1 was decreased.
- Pro-MMP-2 levels were increased in both PROM and ND groups compared to CS.
Conclusions:
- Increased MMP-2 activity in PROM is likely due to elevated pro-MMP-2 and MT1-MMP expression, coupled with decreased TIMP-1.
- This dysregulation promotes extracellular matrix degradation in fetal membranes, contributing to PROM.
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