Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
Author Spotlight: Deciphering Coagulation Disorders in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients
Published on: August 4, 2023
New observations on procoagulant properties of amniotic fluid: microparticles (MPs) and tissue factor-bearing MPs
Waldemar Uszyński1, Ewa Zekanowska, Mieczysław Uszyński
1Regional Hospital in Włocławek, Poland.
Introduction:
Microparticles (MPs) are submicron fragments of the cell membrane affecting many biological processes, e.g. coagulation. The aim of the study was to determine (i) MPs and (ii) tissue factor bearing MPs (MPs-TF) in the amniotic fluid and in blood plasma of parturient women, as well as to assess (iii) TF and TFPI.
Material And Methods:
The study group consisted of 38 women laboring at term, whereas the control group included 20 non-pregnant women. ELISA method was used to evaluate MPs, MPs-TF, TF and TFPI.
Results:
The levels of MPs and MPs-TF were significantly higher in the amniotic fluid than in blood plasma of parturient women: the level of MPs was 41.08 times higher (medians: 246.48 nM PS vs. 6.00 nM PS, respectively, p<0.001), and the level of MPs-TF was 18.59 times higher (medians: 90.16pg/ml vs. 4.85pg/ml, respectively) (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
1. Microparticles (MPs) and tissue factor-bearing MPs (MPs-TF) are constituent components of amniotic fluid. 2. It is reasonable to assume that these components together with tissue factor (TF) and its inhibitor (TFPI) can participate in life-threatening coagulation disturbances in amniotic fluid embolism, and to take into consideration their impact on fetal development.
Insights
Microparticles (MPs) and tissue factor-bearing MPs (MPs-TF) are significantly elevated in amniotic fluid of laboring women. These findings suggest their potential role in coagulation disorders and fetal development during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microparticles (MPs) are cell membrane fragments influencing biological processes like coagulation.
- Elevated MPs and MPs-TF are implicated in various pathological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify MPs and tissue factor-bearing MPs (MPs-TF) in amniotic fluid and maternal blood plasma.
- To assess tissue factor (TF) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) levels.
- To investigate the role of these factors in parturient women.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed.
- Study included 38 laboring women and 20 non-pregnant controls.
- Quantification of MPs, MPs-TF, TF, and TFPI.
Main Results:
- MPs levels were 41.08 times higher in amniotic fluid compared to blood plasma (246.48 nM PS vs. 6.00 nM PS, p<0.001).
- MPs-TF levels were 18.59 times higher in amniotic fluid than in blood plasma (90.16 pg/ml vs. 4.85 pg/ml, p<0.001).
- Both MPs and MPs-TF were significantly elevated in amniotic fluid of parturient women.
Conclusions:
- MPs and MPs-TF are integral components of amniotic fluid.
- These factors, along with TF and TFPI, may contribute to coagulation disturbances in amniotic fluid embolism.
- Their impact on fetal development warrants consideration.
More Related Videos
09:04Comprehensive Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Safety of Placenta-Targeted Drug Delivery Using Three Complementary Methods
Published on: September 10, 2018
05:31Author Spotlight: Modeling an Aspect of Preeclampsia in Female Mice Using Hypoxic Human Placenta-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles
Published on: January 26, 2024