Collagen metabolism in premature rupture of amniotic membranes

Article Abstract:

The cause of premature rupture of the membranes (PROM, rupture of the amniotic membranes, which surround the fetus) is not known, but most biochemical studies have focussed on defects in collagen, a structural protein that provides support to the membranes. Less is known regarding the role of the collagenolytic degradation system, a group of enzymes that collectively degrade (destroy) collagen. To learn more about collagenolytic activity, 22 normal pregnancies and 20 pregnancies complicated by PROM (two or more hours before labor began) were investigated. Results showed that the collagen content in membranes from both groups was similar; however, membranes from pregnancies with a longer latency between rupture and delivery had significantly more collagen. The collagen in PROM samples was more soluble than that in normal amniotic membrane. PROM membranes contained a higher amount of degraded collagen, with values that were independent of latency to delivery. Finally, normal amniotic membranes synthesized much more collagen than PROM tissue. A discussion of the role of collagen in amniotic membrane is presented. Overall, the results suggest that changes in collagen metabolism take place as PROM develops. The most important of these is probably increased collagenolysis, which makes the occurrence of PROM more likely. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Collagen, Pregnancy, Complications of, Pregnancy complications

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Increased matrix metalloproteinase activity and reduced tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 levels in amniotic fluids from pregnancies complicated by premature rupture of membranes

Article Abstract:

Increased concentrations in amniotic fluid of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) may precede normal labor and premature rupture of membranes. Matrix metalloproteinases are enzymes which break down the protein structure of fetal membranes. Researchers measured the amount of matrix metalloproteinases and of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) in amniotic fluid from normal early pregnancies, in normal term pregnancies with labor and without labor, and in cases of premature rupture of membranes. Higher levels of matrix metalloproteinases, particularly of MMP-9, were associated with labor and premature rupture of membranes. Pregnancies either not at term or at term without labor had very low levels of MMP-9 but increased levels of TIMP-1.

Analysis, Amniotic fluid

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Increased concentration of pro-matrix metalloproteinase 9 in term fetal membranes overlying the cervix before labor: implications for membrane remodeling and rupture

Article Abstract:

The level of pro-matrix metalloproteinases in the cervix and fetal membranes increases as labor progresses. Metalloproteinases are enzymes that break down connective tissues. This is necessary during labor because the cervix must stretch to accommodate the baby.

Labor (Obstetrics)

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