基质金属蛋白酶2,9在胎膜早破产妇胎膜的表达变化

目的:探讨基质金属蛋白酶- 2、- 9(MMP - 2、MMP - 9)在胎膜早破(PROM)发病机制中的作用。方法:选择早产PROM(PPROM)产妇1 1例、足月PROM产妇32例及足月临产产妇1 6例作为研究组,1 1例足月未临产产妇作为对照组;采用免疫组织化学法检测胎膜宫颈部和宫体部中MMP 2及MMP - 9的分布与表达。结果:①各研究组宫颈部胎膜MMP 2的表达均高于同组宫体部(P <0 .0 5 ) ;胎膜(宫颈部和宫体部)MMP - 2的表达在两PROM组间无差异(P >0 .0 5 ) ,但均高于足月临产组和对照组(P <0 .0 1 )。②MMP - 9在对照组中未见表达;MMP - 9在研究组胎膜宫颈部的表达均明显高于宫体部(P <0 .0 1 ) ,其中PPROM组宫颈部胎膜MMP 9表达的IH积分明显高于其余各组(P <0 .0 1 )。③胎膜宫颈部MMP - 2的表达与MMP 9的表达呈正相关(P =0 .0 0 0 )。结论:MMP -2和MMP - 9参与了产程中胎膜的破裂,在PROM的发病机制中起着重要的作用,其中MMP - 9在PPROM发病机制中的作用更为重要。     

胎膜组织BMP-2及MMP-9的表达及与胎膜早破的关系

目的:探讨胎膜组织骨形成蛋白-2(BNP-2)及基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)与胎膜早破(PROM)发生的关系.方法:选择足月临产产妇、足月PROM产妇、早产临产产妇、早产PROM产妇及足月未临产产妇(对照组)各18例,分娩后取破口处胎膜组织,采用免疫组织化学法染色,并使用病理影像多媒体图文操作系统对BMP-2、MMP-9阳性表达物的面积积分光密度(AIOD)进行半定量分析.结果:①胎膜组织中BMP-2和MMP-9阳性表达的AIOD在足月临产组、足月PRON组、早产临产组、早产PROM组均高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.0071);②足月PROM组BMP-2和MMP-9高于足月临产组(P=0.0065,P=0.0069);早产PROM组BNP-2和NMP-9高于早产临产组(P=0.0069,P=0.0052);早产PROM组BMP-2和MMP-9高于足月PROM组(P=0.0037,P=0.0065);③5组胎膜组织中BMP-2和MMP-9的表达均呈明显正相关(r_s=0.76159,P<0.0001).结论:BMP-2和MMP-9与胎膜破裂的发生密切相关,胎膜组织中BMP-2与MMP-9的表达水平相关.     

环氧合酶2及前列腺素15-羟基脱氢酶在早产患者胎盘及胎膜组织中的表达

目的探讨环氧合酶2(COX-2)、前列腺素15-羟基脱氢酶(15-PGDH)在胎盘和胎膜组织中的表达变化及其与早产发生的关系。方法采用免疫组化二步法,测定14例早产产妇(早产组)、18例足月临产产妇(足月临产组)、17例足月未临产产妇(对照组)的胎盘和胎膜组织中COX-2与15-PGDH的定位与表达水平(以阳性百分数计分和细胞染色计分相加表示)。结果(1)COX-2在3组产妇的羊膜上皮细胞、绒毛膜细胞和蜕膜细胞的胞质中均有表达。COX-2在早产组胎膜和胎盘组织羊膜上皮细胞中的表达水平分别为(4·6±1·2)、(4·7±0·9)分,在足月临产组分别为(3·2±1·0)、(3·6±1·0)分,在对照组分别为(2·2±0·6)、(2·5±0·9)分。早产组及足月临产组明显高于对照组,两两比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0·01);早产组与足月临产组比较,差异也有统计学意义(P<0·01)。3组间胎膜羊膜上皮细胞与胎盘羊膜上皮细胞中的COX-2表达水平相互比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0·05)。(2)COX-2在早产组胎盘绒毛膜细胞中的表达水平为(4·9±1·0)分,在足月临产组为(3·9±1·2)分,在对照组为(2·3±0·7)分,早产组及足月临产组明显高于对照组,两两比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0·01);早产组与足月临产组比较,差异也有统计学意义(P<0·01)。而3组胎膜绒毛膜组织中COX-2表达水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0·05);在3组胎盘蜕膜细胞中的表达水平比较,差异也无统计学意义(P>0·05)。(3)15-PGDH在3组产妇羊膜上皮细胞、绒毛膜细胞和蜕膜细胞的胞质中均有表达,3组胎膜及胎盘组织的羊膜上皮细胞中15-PGDH表达水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0·05);而在胎膜及胎盘组织的绒毛膜细胞中表达水平,早产组分别为(1·5±0·6)、(2·3±0·8)分,足月临产组分别为(2·6±0·8)、(3·0±0·7)分,对照组分别为(4·4±1·1)、(4·1±1·2)分,早产组及足月临产组明显低于对照组,两者比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0·01);早产组与足月临产组比较,差异也有统计学意义(P<0·05)。在胎盘组织蜕膜细胞中的表达水平,早产组为(2·1±0·7)分,足月临产组为(2·8±0·8)分,对照组为(4·5±1·0)分,早产组及足月临产组明显低于对照组,两者比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0·01);早产组与足月临产组比较,差异也有统计学意义(P<0·05)。结论COX-2在羊膜上皮细胞中的高表达和15-PGDH在绒毛膜、蜕膜细胞中的低表达,与早产的分娩发动有关。二者在早产的发生中起一定作用。     

促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素、皮质醇和硫酸脱氢表雄酮在早产发动中的作用

目的探讨促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素（CRH）、皮质醇、硫酸脱氢表雄酮（DHEA—S）在早产发动中的作用。方法用原位杂交法检测早产阴道分娩产妇26例（早产组）、足月临产阴道分娩产妇29例（足月临产组）、足月未临产剖宫产产妇25例（足月未临产组）胎盘、胎膜组织中CRH mRNA的分布与表达,用放射免疫法测定3组产妇分娩的新生儿脐静脉血CRH,脐动脉血DHEA-S及皮质醇的含量。结果（1）各组产妇胎盘、胎膜组织中均可见CRH mRNA表达。（2）CRH mRNA在胎盘组织中表达的阳性指数：早产组为5．5±1．4,足月临产组为5．4±1．5,均高于足月未临产组的2．7±1．5。差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．01）;CRHmRNA在胎膜组织中表达的阳性指数：早产组为5．4±1．7,足月临产组为5．4±1．4,足月未临产组为2．0±1．4,早产组、足月临产组与足月未临产组比较,差异也有统计学意义（P〈0．01）;CRH mRNA在胎盘及胎膜中表达的阳性指数早产组与足月临产组比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;各组产妇CRH mRNA在胎盘与胎膜组织中的表达比较,差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。（3）早产组和足月临产组新生儿脐静脉血CRH含量分别为（7．8±3．3）、（7．7±4．1）ng／L,脐动脉血DHEA-S含量分别为（514±295）、（483±207）μg／L,均高于足月未临产组的（4．8±2．4）ng／L、（360±80）μg／L,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;而早产组与足月临产组比较,差异则无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。早产组脐静脉血CRH含量与胎盘、胎膜组织中CRH mRNA的表达均呈正相关关系（r=0．935、0．853,P〈0．01）,足月临产组脐静脉血CRH含量与胎盘、胎膜组织中CRH mRNA的表达也呈正相关关系（r=0．902、0．825,P〈0．01）。（4）早产组新生儿脐动脉血皮质醇含量为（246±117）μg／L,明显高于足月临产组的（172±72）μg／L和足月未临产组的（127±60）μg／L,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05,P〈0．01）。早产组新生儿脐静脉血CRH与脐动脉血皮质醇、DHEA-S含量均呈正相关关系（r=0．523、0．424,P〈0．05）,足月临产组新生儿脐静脉血CRH与脐动脉血皮质醇、DHEA—S含量也呈正相关关系（r=0．438、0．354,P〈0．05）。结论（1）CRH与分娩发动密切相关,胎盘、胎膜组织中CRH mRNA表达升高可能是早产发动的重要原因。（2）DHEA—S、皮质醇与分娩的发动密切相关。     

MMP-9及TIMP-1与胎膜早破关系的研究

目的 :研究胎膜早破 (PROM)孕妇羊水、血清中基质金属蛋白酶 9(MMP 9)、金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂 1(TIMP 1)的含量及在胎膜中的表达 ,探讨其与PROM的关系。方法 :选择临产前足月剖宫产分娩的胎膜早破者 2 5例 (PROM组 )和正常未破膜者 2 0例 (对照组 ) ,用双抗体夹心ELISA法测定羊水、血清中MMP 9、TIMP 1的含量 ,并用免疫组化SABC法检测胎膜中MMP 9及TIMP 1的表达。结果 :①PROM组和对照组羊水中MMP 9含量分别为 (887.2 4± 36 3.2 5 )与(6 6 6 .15± 2 39.5 8)ng/ml,差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;两组血清中MMP 9含量分别为 (38.72± 2 3.4 8)与 (17.4 5± 10 .77)ng/ml,差异有非常显著性 (P <0 .0 0 1) ;两组羊水与血清中TIMP 1含量差异无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 )。②PROM组血清与羊水中MMP 9、TIMP 1的含量无相关性 (r分别为 0 .133与 0 .10 3,P >0 .0 5 )。③PROM组和对照组胎膜MMP 9的阳性表达分别为 10 0 %、85 % ,差异有非常显著性 (P <0 .0 0 1)。结论 :胎膜早破孕妇羊水、血清中MMP 9含量明显升高 ,且MMP 9在胎膜中高表达 ,可能是胎膜早破发生的原因之一     

细菌性阴道病和早产者宫颈分泌物IL-1βIL-6含量变化的相关性

目的　探讨宫颈分泌物细胞因子 (IL - 1β和IL - 6 )含量与细菌性阴道病 (BV)、早产的关系。 方法　选择孕 32～ 34周无宫缩而胎膜完整的有BV孕妇 2 7例和无BV孕妇 30例 ,以及胎膜完整的未足月临产孕妇 2 5例和足月临产孕妇 2 6例 ,进行宫颈分泌物取样 ,分别采用酶联免疫吸附法和放射免疫法测定宫颈分泌物IL -1β、IL - 6的含量。 结果　宫颈分泌物IL - 1β的含量在BV组和未足月临产组均高于无BV组 (P <0 0 5 ) ,而未足月临产组与足月临产组间无差异 (P >0 0 5 ) ;宫颈分泌物IL - 6的含量各组相比均无显著性差异 (P >0 0 5 )。结论　宫颈分泌物IL - 1β含量的升高与BV及早产有关 ,可能在BV引起的早产中起一定的作用     

基质金属蛋白酶2、9及其特异性组织抑制剂在自发性胎膜早破发病中的作用

目的　探讨基质金属蛋白酶 (MMP) 2、9及其特异性组织抑制剂 (TIMP)在自发性胎膜早破发病中的作用。方法　采用RT PCR方法对 8例自发性胎膜早破患者 (胎膜早破组 )、8例正常阴道分娩产妇 (阴道分娩组 )以及 8例择期剖宫产产妇 (剖宫产组 )的胎膜组织中MMP 2、MMP 9和TIMP 2、TIMP 1mRNA的表达进行检测。结果　 (1)MMP 2 :胎膜早破组为 0 84 9± 0 0 37,阴道分娩组为 0 32 7± 0 0 2 3,剖宫产组为 0 30 7± 0 0 2 8。胎膜早破组MMP 2表达水平明显高于阴道分娩组和剖宫产组 ,两组比较 ,差异有统计学意义 (P <0 0 5 ) ;阴道分娩组MMP 2表达水平与剖宫产组比较 ,差异均无统计学意义 (P >0 0 5 )。 (2 )MMP 9:胎膜早破组为 0 0 2 6± 0 0 0 4 ,阴道分娩组为 0 0 0 8± 0 0 0 1,剖宫产组无表达。胎膜早破组MMP 9表达水平明显高于阴道分娩组 ,两者比较 ,差异有统计学意义 (P <0 0 5 )。 (3)TIMP 2 :胎膜早破组为 0 4 2 0± 0 12 2 ,阴道分娩组为 0 730± 0 14 8,剖宫产组为 0 885± 0 0 6 5。胎膜早破组TIMP 2表达水平明显低于阴道分娩组和剖宫产组 ,两者比较 ,差异有统计学意义 (P <0 0 5 ) ;阴道分娩组TIMP 2表达水平明显低于剖宫产组 ,两组比较 ,差异有统计学意义 (P <0 0 5 )。 (4)TI     

人胎膜组织中E26转录因子1的表达及其与胎膜早破的关系

目的 检测人胎膜组织中E26转录因子1(Ets-1)的表达及定位,探讨其与胎膜早破发生的关系.方法 选择2007年2-11月在重庆医科大学附属第一医院住院分娩的产妇100例为研究对象,按足月与否、有无胎膜早破、分娩方式将其分为早产临产、未足月胎膜早破(PPROM)、足月临产、足月胎膜早破(TPROM)组,以足月择期刮宫产产妇为对照组,每组各20例,分娩后采集其胎膜组织,用免疫组化链霉菌抗生物素蛋白-过氧化物酶连接(SP)法检测Ets-1蛋白的表达水平及定位,每组选取6例以逆转录(RT)-PCR技术检测Ets-1 mRNA的表达水平,并进行半定量分析.结果 (1)各组胎膜组织中Ets-1 mRNA的表达:早产临产、PPROM、足月临产、TPROM、对照组胎膜组织中Ets-1mRNA表达水平分别为0.342±0.016、0.603±0.027、0.325±0.013、0.582±0.075、0.139±0.012,PPROM组和TPROM组均高于对照组.分别比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);早产临产组与足月临产组,PPROM组与TPROM组比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).(2)Ets-1蛋白在胎膜组织的定位:Ets-1蛋白集中在羊膜和绒毛膜的间质层、滋养层细胞的胞质和胞核中表达;细胞内可见清晰的棕黄色颗粒.在羊膜上皮细胞中未见Ets-1蛋白表达.(3)各组胎膜组织中Ets-1蛋白的表达:早产临产、PPROM、足月临产、TPROM、对照组胎膜组织中Ets-1蛋白表达水平分别为0.552±0.018、2.853±0.174、0.538±0.042、2.731±0.090、0.214±0.013,PPROM组与TPROM组均高于对照组,分别比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);但早产临产组与足月临产组,PPROM组与TPROM组胎膜组织分别比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 Ets-1在人类胎膜组织中有表达,且在胎膜早破时表达水平升高.     

MMP-9及TIMP-1在卵巢上皮性肿瘤中的表达

目的 :探讨MMP 9和TIMP 1在卵巢上皮性肿瘤中的表达。方法 :采用免疫组化方法检测 12 5例卵巢上皮性肿瘤及 7例正常卵巢组织中MMP 9和TIMP 1的表达。结果 :MMP 9在交界性 (5 .4 0± 2 .2 8)和恶性卵巢上皮性肿瘤 (6.88± 2 .0 9)中的表达显著高于良性卵巢上皮性肿瘤 (3.80± 1.5 6)和正常卵巢组织 (2 .69± 1.19) (P <0 .0 1) ;TIMP 1在正常卵巢组织、良性、交界性和恶性卵巢上皮性肿瘤中的表达分别为 1.86± 1.10、3.89± 1.11、3.97± 0 .98和 4 .99± 1.70 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 1)。结论 :MMP 9可能参与卵巢上皮性肿瘤的发生和侵袭 ,TIMP 1在卵巢肿瘤的演化过程中除可抑制肿瘤的侵袭和转移外 ,可能还有非MMP 9抑制活性的作用     

Caspase-8及Bcl-2表达与胎膜早破的相关性研究

目的:探讨Caspase-8及Bcl-2表达与胎膜早破的关系。方法:选择2003年6月~2004年5月我院足月妊娠自然分娩的孕妇48例,其中24例发生胎膜早破(胎膜早破组),24例未发生胎膜早破(对照组),病例均于阴道分娩后取胎膜破裂口处的胎膜组织5cm×5cm大,同时胎膜早破组在距胎膜破口处10cm以上的部位再取同样大的胎膜组织,胎膜组织均经石蜡包埋切片后采用免疫组化法测定Caspase-8及Bcl-2的表达。结果:(1)两组病例的胎膜组织均可见Caspase-8及Bcl-2的表达;(2)在胎膜早破组的胎膜组织中Caspase-8表达的阳性单位为6.89±0.19,对照组为2.33±0.06(P<0.01);而Bcl-2表达的阳性单位为9.55±0.24,对照组为21.37±0.32(P<0.01);(3)在胎膜早破组非破口部位胎膜组织中Caspase-8及Bcl-2表达的阳性单位分别为6.93±0.17和9·66±0.19,与破口部位胎膜组织中Caspase-8及Bcl-2表达的阳性单位比较无差异(P>0·05)。结论:胎膜早破的发生与Caspase-8的过度表达及Bcl-2表达的下调相关。     

Human neutrophil collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase 8) in parturition, premature rupture of the membranes, and intrauterine infection

OBJECTIVES: The mechanisms by which microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity leads to membrane weakening and rupture are poorly understood. Recently, endogenous host enzymes have been implicated in this process. Matrix metalloproteinases are a family of potent enzymes that degrade components of the extracellular matrix. Collagen type I provides the main tensile strength of the fetal membranes. Matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8), or neutrophil collagenase, degrades interstitial collagens, acting preferentially on collagen type I. This study was undertaken (1) to determine whether MMP-8 is present in amniotic fluid and whether its concentrations are changed in preterm and term labor and membrane rupture with and without intra-amniotic infection and (2) to determine whether the amniotic fluid concentrations of MMP-8 in labor at term are different in the lower and upper uterine compartments. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted and transabdominal amniocentesis was performed in women in the following categories: (1) midtrimester (n = 25), (2) preterm labor in the presence and absence of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (n = 86), (3) preterm premature rupture of the membranes in the presence and absence of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (n = 51), (4) term patients in labor and not in labor (n = 51), and (5) term premature rupture of membranes (n = 20). Additional paired samples of amniotic fluid were retrieved by transabdominal amniocentesis (upper compartment) and transvaginal amniocentesis (lower or forebag compartment) from 14 term patients (28 samples) in spontaneous labor with intact membranes. Amniotic fluid MMP-8 concentrations were determined with a sensitive and specific immunoassay. RESULTS: MMP-8 was detected in 95.4% (249/261) of all samples. (1) Spontaneous human parturition was associated with a significant increase in amniotic fluid concentrations of MMP-8 in both term and preterm gestation. Term (no labor median, 3.3 ng/mL; range, <0.06-38.6 ng/mL; vs labor median, 16.6 ng/mL; range, 0. 33-1650 ng/mL; P <.05). Patients with preterm labor who delivered preterm (in the absence of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity) had a significantly higher median amniotic fluid MMP-8 concentration than those with preterm labor who delivered at term (preterm labor, term delivery median, 3.1 ng/mL; range, <0.06-415.1 ng/mL; vs preterm labor, preterm delivery median, 32.5 ng/mL; range, <0.06-6006.6 ng/mL;P <.003). (2) Spontaneous rupture of membranes in preterm gestation but not in term gestation was associated with elevated amniotic fluid concentrations of MMP-8. Preterm gestation (preterm labor, intact membranes median, 3.1 ng/mL; range, <0.06-415. 1 ng/mL; vs preterm premature rupture of membranes median, 35.1 ng/mL; range, 0.71-1184.1 ng/mL; P <.05). Term gestation (intact membranes median, 3.3 ng/mL; range, 0.24-38.6 ng/mL; vs rupture of membranes median, 5.6 ng/mL; range, 0.22-19.8 ng/mL; P =.9). (3) Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity was associated with a significant increase in amniotic fluid MMP-8 concentration in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes, as well as in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes. Preterm labor (no microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity, preterm delivery median, 32.5 ng/mL; range, <0.06-6006.6 ng/mL; vs microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity median, 208.1 ng/mL; range, 4.2-14,600 ng/mL; P <.001). Preterm premature rupture of membranes (no microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity median, 35.1 ng/mL; range, 0.71-1184. 1 ng/mL; vs microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity median, 317.9 ng/mL; range, 2.16-14,500 ng/mL; P <.01). (4) The median amniotic fluid MMP-8 concentrations were significantly higher in fluid obtained from the forebag compartment than in that obtained from the upper compartment (median, 66.2 ng/mL; range, 7.4-170 ng/mL; vs median, 13.3 ng/mL; range, 2-170 ng/mL; respectively; P <.01). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)     

Programmed cell death (apoptosis) as a possible pathway to metalloproteinase activation and fetal membrane degradation in premature rupture of membranes

OBJECTIVE: Increased matrix metalloproteinase 2 expression and activity are associated with premature rupture of fetal membranes. A proapoptotic protein produced in response to deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation, p53, can bind to the matrix metalloproteinase 2 gene promoter and cause increased gene expression. It promotes apoptosis by inducing the expression of the proapoptotic bax gene and inhibiting the antiapoptotic bcl-2 gene. This study was undertaken to investigate the expression pattern of apoptotic elements in pregnancy complications that may cause increased expression of the gene for matrix metalloproteinase 2. STUDY DESIGN: Amniochorial membranes were collected from the following groups of women: (1) women with premature rupture of fetal membranes, (2) women with preterm labor and intact membranes, and (3) women with term labor after vaginal delivery. Deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation was tested with ligation-mediated polymerase chain reaction and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotinylated deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate end-labeling assay. Matrix metalloproteinase 2, p53, bcl-2, and bax gene expression patterns were studied with quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was performed with the Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison test. RESULTS: Quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction documented a 10-fold increase in the expression of the gene for matrix metalloproteinase 2 in premature rupture of fetal membranes with respect to term and preterm labor. This induction coincided with an increase in the expressions of the proapoptotic genes p53 and bax and a drop in the expression of the antiapoptotic gene bcl-2. Ligation-mediated polymerase chain reaction revealed deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation in specimens from premature rupture of fetal membranes and not in those from preterm labor or labor at term. Histochemical analysis documented fragmented deoxyribonucleic acid in chorionic and amniotic cells. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that apoptosis is associated with premature rupture of fetal membranes. Deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation, associated with elevations in the levels of the two proapoptotic gene products evaluated (p53 and bax ) and a drop in the level of the antiapoptotic bcl-2, was seen in premature rupture of the fetal membranes. Induction of matrix metalloproteinase 2 may be a function of p53 gene expression increase in premature rupture of fetal membranes.     

A role for the 72 kDa gelatinase (MMP-2) and its inhibitor (TIMP-2) in human parturition, premature rupture of membranes and intraamniotic infection

OBJECTIVE: Degradation of the extracellular matrix in fetal membranes has been implicated in the process of parturition and rupture of membranes. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes capable of degrading extracellular matrix including collagen. Tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) inhibit the activity of MMPs by covalently binding to the enzymes. MMP-2 degrades Type IV collagen and TIMP-2 is its specific inhibitor. The objective of this study was to determine if human parturition, rupture of membranes (term and preterm) and microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) are associated with changes in the concentrations of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in amniotic fluid. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted with women in the following categories: 1) term with intact membranes, in labor and not in labor; 2) preterm labor and intact membranes who delivered at term, who delivered preterm and preterm labor with MIAC; 3) preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM) with and without infection; 4) term and preterm PROM not in labor; and 5) midtrimester. MMP-2 and TIMP-2 concentrations in amniotic fluid were determined using sensitive and specific immunoassays. RESULTS: The concentration of TIMP-2 increased with advancing gestational age (r = 0.6, p < 0.001). No correlation was found between MMP-2 concentrations and gestational age. Human parturition and rupture of membranes (term and preterm) and in patients with intact membranes were not associated with changes in the amniotic fluid MMP-2 concentrations. In contrast, 1) patients with spontaneous labor (term and preterm) had significantly lower median concentrations of TIMP-2 compared to those not in labor (p < 0.05 for both); 2) MIAC in women with preterm labor and preterm PROM was associated with a significant decrease in amniotic fluid TIMP-2 concentrations (p < 0.04 for both comparisons); 3) Rupture of the membranes (term and preterm) was also associated with a significant decrease in the amniotic fluid TIMP-2 concentrations (p < 0.05 and p < 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Human parturition (preterm and term), rupture of fetal membranes (term and preterm) and intraamniotic infection are associated with a significant decrease in amniotic fluid TIMP-2 concentrations.     

孕产妇血清中MMP-3、TNF-α、IL-10的表达与早产和早产胎膜早破的关系

目的探讨基质金属蛋白酶-3（MMP-3）、肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、白细胞介素-10（lL-10）在孕产妇血清中的表达与早产、胎膜早破的关系。方法选择单胎头位初产妇80例作为研究对象,按孕周、胎膜是否破裂和产妇是否临产分为早产临产组（sPTD）、早产胎膜早破组（PPROM）、先兆早产组（TPL）和妊娠28～36＋6周无产兆组（对照组）,每组各20例。用ELISA法检测孕妇血清中MMP-3及TNF-α、lL-10的水平。结果①早产临产组、早产胎膜早破组、先兆早产组和对照组血清中MMP-3的浓度分别为（242.25±72.40）ng/ml、（225.95±85.43）ng/ml、（197.85±57.08）ng/ml、（186.80±54.33）ng/ml;TNF-α的浓度分别为（1332.35±346.65）pg/ml、（1365.00±211.80）pg/ml、（1188.15±269.43）pg/ml、（1061.85±210.02）pg/ml;IL-10的浓度分别为（563.65±116.50）pg/ml、（566.80±123.03）pg/ml、（521.00±105.14）pg/ml、（483.50±119.17）pg/ml;②早产组血清中MMP-3,TNF-α浓度高于对照组,以TNF-α升高更明显（P〈0.01）;而IL-10在前两组中有增高趋势,但与后两组相比差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;③血清中MMP-3、TNF-α、IL-10浓度呈两两正相关。结论①孕产妇血清中MMP-3及TNF-α浓度与早产、胎膜早破密切相关;②孕产妇血清中MMP-3、TNF-α及IL-10在临产、胎膜早破中可能起协同作用。     

Evidence of in vivo differential bioavailability of the active forms of matrix metalloproteinases 9 and 2 in parturition, spontaneous rupture of membranes, and intra-amniotic infection

OBJECTIVE: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-9 and MMP-2) have been implicated in the digestion of fetal membranes. The purpose of this study was to determine the amniotic fluid concentrations of active forms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and to explore the participation of these enzymes in labor (term and preterm), rupture of membranes (term and preterm), and microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 291 women in the following categories: (1) term not in labor, (2) term in labor, (3) preterm labor and intact membranes who delivered at term, (4) preterm labor who delivered preterm, (5) preterm labor with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity, (6) preterm premature rupture of membranes without microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity, (7) preterm premature rupture of membranes with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity, (8) term premature rupture of membranes not in labor, and (9) mid trimester. Active forms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were measured by a novel assay that uses a substrate developed by protein engineering. RESULTS: (1) MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected in 88% and 96% of amniotic fluid samples, respectively (255/291 and 279/291). (2) The concentrations of active forms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 changed with advancing gestational age. (3) Spontaneous term parturition was associated with a significant increase in the median concentration of the active forms of MMP-9 (P <.005) and a significant decrease in the median concentration of the active forms of MMP-2 (P <.003). (4) Preterm labor with intact membranes leading to preterm delivery in the absence of infection was associated with a significant increase in the median concentration of the active forms of MMP-9 (P <.005) but not of the active forms of MMP-2 (P =.2). (5) Rupture of membranes (either term or preterm) was associated with a significant increase in the concentration of the active forms of MMP-9 and with a significant decrease in the concentration of the active forms of MMP-2 (P <.005 for term and P <.03 and P <.003 for preterm, respectively). (6) Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes was also associated with a significant increase in the concentration of the active forms of MMP-9 (P <.03) and a decrease in the concentration of the active forms of MMP-2 (P <.05). (7) Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity in patients with preterm labor was associated with a significant increase in the median concentration of the active forms of MMP-9 (P <.005) but not of the active forms of MMP-2 (P =.6). CONCLUSION: Spontaneous rupture of membranes (either term or preterm), parturition (either term or preterm), and microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity were associated with significant increases in the amniotic fluid concentration of the active forms of MMP-9. In contrast, the concentration of the active forms of MMP-2 either decreased or remained the same in these conditions. Our observations provide evidence for a novel regulation of gelatinolytic activity in vivo.     

Evidence for the participation of interstitial collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase 1) in preterm premature rupture of membranes

OBJECTIVE: Rupture of membranes is thought to result from the effects of physical forces in localized areas of the membranes weakened by the degradation of structural collagens. Matrix metalloproteinases are enzymes that degrade extracellular matrix components and have been implicated in membrane rupture. The objective of this study was to determine whether spontaneous rupture of membranes is associated with a change in the amniotic fluid concentration of interstitial collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase 1 [MMP-1]), a major collagenase. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine MMP-1 concentrations in amniotic fluid from 353 women in the following categories: (1) term with intact membranes not in labor and in labor, (2) preterm labor who delivered at term, (3) preterm labor who delivered preterm without microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity, (4) preterm labor who delivered preterm with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity, (5) preterm premature rupture of membranes with and without microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity, (6) term premature rupture of membranes not in labor and in labor, and (7) mid trimester of pregnancy. Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity was determined by an amniotic fluid culture positive for microorganisms. MMP-1 concentrations in amniotic fluid were determined by means of sensitive and specific immunoassays. RESULTS: (1) MMP-1 was detectable in 81.3% of amniotic fluid samples (287/353), and its concentrations increased with advancing gestational age (r = 0.4; P <.001). (2) Preterm premature rupture of membranes was associated with a significant increase in the median amniotic fluid concentration of MMP-1 (P =.02). (3) Women with term premature rupture of membranes had a significantly lower amniotic fluid MMP-1 concentration than those with intact membranes at term not in labor (P <.001). (4) Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity in patients in preterm labor with intact membranes and in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes was also associated with significant increases in the median amniotic fluid MMP-1 concentrations (P <.05 and P <.01, respectively). (5) Patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes and microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity had a significantly higher median amniotic fluid MMP-1 concentration than those with intact membranes and microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (P =.01). (6) Neither term nor preterm parturition was associated with changes in amniotic fluid MMP-1 concentrations (P =.6 and P =.3, respectively). CONCLUSION: (1) Collagenase 1 (MMP-1) is a physiologic constituent of amniotic fluid. (2) Preterm premature rupture of membranes (in both the presence and absence of infection) was associated with an increase in the amniotic fluid MMP-1 concentrations. (3) Neither term nor preterm parturition was associated with a significant increase in the amniotic fluid concentration of MMP-1.     

The role of extracellular inducer of matrix metalloproteinases in premature rupture of membranes

Objective: To investigate the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) and their inducer (CD147) in premature rupture of membranes (PROM) at term labor.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 24 women aged 19–39, with 37–40-week pregnancy, and no clinical and histological signs of chorioamnionitis, were divided into two groups with and without PROM. The histological and immunohistochemical study of the fetal membranes was performed with polyclonal rabbit antibodies to MMP-2/MMP-9 and monoclonal rabbit antibodies to CD147.

Results: The analysis of MMP revealed the increase of MMP-9 expression in the amniotic epithelium during premature membrane rupture both in rupture area, and beyond it, and increased MMR-2 expression in the mesodermal cells. We also found high level of CD147 in the amniotic epithelium in PROM group. The above-mentioned changes were found in all areas of fetal membranes, regardless of the rupture localization.

Conclusions: The study results demonstrate the increased expression of MMR-2 and MMR-9, which regulate the catabolism of fetal membrane extracellular matrix proteins, in amniotic membranes of women with PROM at term labor. The increased expression of CD147 may be one of the mechanisms triggering PROM in the absence of infection.