Imbalances between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in maternal serum during preterm labor

Tency, Inge; Verstraelen, Hans; Kroes, Ivo; Holtappels, Gabriële; Verhasselt, Bruno; Vaneechoutte, Mario; Verhelst, Rita; Temmerman, Marleen

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0049042

Imbalances between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in maternal serum during preterm labor

Author:

Tency, Inge

Verstraelen, Hans ; Kroes, Ivo ; Holtappels, Gabriële ; Verhasselt, Bruno ; Vaneechoutte, Mario ; Verhelst, Rita ; Temmerman, Marleen

Keywords:

Adult, Case-Control Studies, Cohort Studies, Female, Humans, Matrix Metalloproteinase 3, Matrix Metalloproteinase 9, Obstetric Labor, Premature, Parturition, Pregnancy, Prospective Studies, Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2, Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases, Science & Technology, Multidisciplinary Sciences, Science & Technology - Other Topics, AMNIOTIC-FLUID MATRIX-METALLOPROTEINASE-9, PREMATURE RUPTURE, FETAL MEMBRANES, PARTURITION, SECRETION, DECIDUA, GELATINASES, BIOMARKERS, INFECTION, PREGNANCY, Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-4, General Science & Technology

Abstract:

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) during pregnancy and parturition. Aberrant ECM degradation by MMPs or an imbalance between MMPs and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of preterm labor, however few studies have investigated MMPs or TIMPs in maternal serum. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine serum concentrations of MMP-3, MMP-9 and all four TIMPs as well as MMP:TIMP ratios during term and preterm labor.