[Extracellular matrix metalloproteases profile identification in chorioamniotic membranes of term and preterm...

Physiological and pathological membrane rupture is a complex phenomenon with different biochemical processes; it is known that collagenolitic activity rises and collagen content diminishes within term tissue membranes in comparison to preterm membranes. Identification of these processes within rupture mechanism allows to suggest that fetal membranes and decidua can respond to biochemical and mechanical stimulus alike, and to produce mediators that degrade matrix of intracellular membranes.

To identify simultaneously, whit a soluble microarray, different matrix metalloproteinases in extracts from amniochorion of pregnancies at term and preterm.

Biomedical experimental study where amniochorion explants were obtained from four women groups. Group 1: at term with spontaneous labor; group 2: at term without labor; group 3: at term with premature rupture of membranes, and group 4: preterm labor. Explants were cultured for 24 h and then homogenated in their own culture media to obtain cell free extracts. MMP were identified in these extracts using a soluble microarray for MMPs that included: MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, -8, -9, -12 and -13.

MMP-8 and -2 were the enzymes most abundant in all the extracts of amniochorion. However, the concentration of MMP-8 in the extracts of group 3 (PROM) was significantly greater in comparison with the extracts of groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.01). The MMP-8 also was in greater concentration in the extracts of group 4 (preterm labor) in comparison with in the extracts of group 1 (p = 0.01).

Activation of cellular processes that lead to the degradation of connective tissue in the MCA under physiological conditions seems to defer in originating tissues from cases with PROM or preterm labor, and this activation is characterized by an increase in the concentration of MMP-8.