Role of serum ceruloplasmin and its ferroxidase activity on preterm labor.
The role of serum ceruloplasmin and its ferroxidase activity on preterm labor with or without rupture of the membranes was studied. Thirty-seven primigravid women between 31 and 35 weeks of gestation were investigated. Our material is divided into 3 groups. Group A consisted of 12 patients with premature rupture of the membranes; group B consisted of 10 patients with preterm labor but intact membranes, and group C consisted of 15 non-laboring patients. Patients with rupture of the membranes presented with statistically significantly higher serum ceruloplasmin levels compared to those with preterm labor but intact membranes (p < 0.05) as well as to non-laboring patients (p < 0.01). On the contrary, the mean ferroxidase activity level or ceruloplasmin was 518.2+/-183.42, 460.9+/-198.8 and 517.5+/-142.01 micromol/l/min in groups A, B and C, respectively. These values were not significantly different. Our results show a loss of ferroxidase activity of ceruloplasmin in patients with rupture of the membranes and probably suggest a defect in the maternal defense mechanisms.
Vitoratos
N
N
2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Hematological Center, University of Athens, Areteion Hospital, Greece.
Botsis
D
D
Christodoulacos
C
C
Contoravdis
A
A
Dalamaga
A
A
Chryssicopoulos
A
A
D000328:Adult; D002570:Ceruloplasmin / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000097:blood* / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000097:blood* / Q000201:enzymology; D011247:Pregnancy
D002570:Ceruloplasmin