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Updated: Nov 20, 2025
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
The Relationship Between Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 in After Birth Oral Fluid and Acute Histologic Chorioamnionitis
Soo Ran Choi1, Taehee Kim2, Yejeong Kim2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inha University College of Medicine, Inha University Hospital, 27, Inhang-Ro, Jung-Gu, Incheon, 22332, South Korea. csran@inha.ac.kr.
Abstract:
Elevated concentration of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) in amniotic fluid is a known predictor of intra-amniotic inflammation and infection. The aim of this study was to determine the nature of the association between MMP-8 levels in oral fluid obtained immediately after birth and acute histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) in preterm delivery. Oral fluid was collected from 93 consecutive preterm birth newborns between gestational weeks of 24 + 0 and 36 + 6. Concentrations of MMP-8 and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in after birth oral fluid were measured by ELISA. Acute HCA was defined as the presence of neutrophils infiltration into chorioamnionic membranes. Logistic regression analysis was used for the statistical analysis. MMP-8 concentrations in after birth oral fluid were significantly higher for women with acute HCA than for those without (median [range]; 68.3 ng/mL [0.06-12,479.6] vs. 10.2 ng/mL [0.06-1808.2], p = 0.002). A strong association was observed between MMP-8 and IL-8 levels (γ2 = 0.87, p < 0.01). The cutoff level of MMP-8 in after birth oral fluid for acute HCA was 39.7 ng/mL (sensitivity of 63.2%, specificity of 81.1%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed MMP-8 in after birth oral fluid had an odds ratio of 4.17 for acute HCA (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08-16.17, p = 0.03). An elevated MMP-8 level in after birth oral fluid is associated with acute HCA in preterm birth. Newborn oral fluid immediately after birth might provide another source for information of intra-amniotic condition just before birth.
Insights
Elevated matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) in newborn oral fluid after birth is linked to acute histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) in preterm deliveries. This finding suggests oral fluid may offer insights into the intra-amniotic environment preceding birth.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Elevated amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) indicates intra-amniotic inflammation and infection.
- Acute histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) is a significant complication in preterm births.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between MMP-8 levels in oral fluid collected immediately after birth and the presence of HCA in preterm deliveries.
- To explore the potential of newborn oral fluid as a biomarker for intra-amniotic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Oral fluid samples were collected from 93 newborns delivered preterm (24-36 weeks gestation).
- Concentrations of MMP-8 and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were measured using ELISA.
- Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine associations with HCA, defined by neutrophil infiltration.
Main Results:
- MMP-8 levels in oral fluid were significantly higher in newborns with HCA compared to those without (p=0.002).
- A strong correlation was found between MMP-8 and IL-8 levels (p<0.01).
- A cutoff of 39.7 ng/mL for oral fluid MMP-8 predicted HCA with 63.2% sensitivity and 81.1% specificity, showing an odds ratio of 4.17 (p=0.03).
Conclusions:
- Elevated MMP-8 in newborn oral fluid immediately after birth is associated with acute HCA in preterm birth.
- Newborn oral fluid may serve as a non-invasive indicator of the intra-amniotic condition near the time of delivery.
