Maternal plasma homocysteine levels in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes.
Homocysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid produced by the breakdown of methionine. Plasma homocysteine levels can be elevated due to a variety of genetic and nutritional factors. Poor nutrition from diets low in folate and vitamin B12 can lead to hyperhomocysteinemia. Mildly elevated levels of homocysteine have been implicated in a number of disease processes such as atherosclerotic vascular disease and adverse obstetrical outcomes. High levels of plasma homocysteine are also associated with abnormal collagen cross-linking. Due to homocysteine's effects on connective tissue integrity, it is hypothesized that hyperhomocysteinemia in pregnancy is associated with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Hyperhomocysteinemia, therefore, could be a treatable cause of this important public health concern.
Ferguson
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Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Smith
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Walker
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MC
D000592:Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors / Q000150:complications; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000097:blood* / Q000209:etiology; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy
D006710:Homocysteine; D003094:Collagen