Bacterial protease-induced reduction of chorioamniotic membrane strength and elasticity

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Microbiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is a leading cause of preterm birth.
• The role of infection, particularly bacterial enzymes, in PROM is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of bacterial collagenase on the biomechanical properties of human amniochorion.
• To determine if collagenase-producing microorganisms can degrade amniochorion tissue.

Main Methods:

• In vitro exposure of human amniochorion samples to bacterial collagenase and collagenase-producing bacteria.
• Measurement of biomechanical properties including bursting load, elasticity, and work to rupture.
• Comparison with samples exposed to an attenuated noncollagenase-producing strain.

Main Results:

• Exposure to bacterial collagenase and collagenase-producing microorganisms significantly reduced amniochorion strength, elasticity, and work to rupture.
• These effects were dose-dependent.
• An attenuated noncollagenase-producing strain did not affect tissue properties.

Conclusions:

• Bacterial collagenase activity is detrimental to the biomechanical integrity of the human amniochorion.
• Infection in the lower uterine segment may contribute to premature rupture of membranes by degrading protective tissues.