Serum nitric oxide metabolites and E-selectin in preterm premature rupture of membranes.
BACKGROUND
Diseases with low-grade inflammation perturb endothelial function. We investigated whether preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is associated with endothelial dysfunction, as assessed by the levels of endothelium-derived nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and E-selectin in maternal serum.


METHODS
The concentrations of NOx and E-selectin were measured in 32 pregnant women with PPROM and in 27 healthy gestational age-matched control women. The grade of inflammation was estimated by measuring serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations.


RESULTS
NOx and E-selectin concentrations were not different in PPROM patients as compared to controls. In 17 patients with PPROM, CRP rose above 12 mg/L. In this group, IL-6 concentration was significantly higher than among controls, but concentrations of NOx and E-selectin remained unaltered. There was a negative correlation between the levels of NOx, CRP and IL-6 and the interval from PPROM to delivery. The levels of NOx correlated positively with those of IL-6.


CONCLUSIONS
PPROM, with or without CRP and IL-6 surges, does not affect endothelial function markedly, as judged from the unaltered concentrations of NOx and E-selectin in maternal serum.
Loukovaara
Mikko
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 2, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.
Ylikorkala
Olavi
O
D000328:Adult; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D019040:E-Selectin / Q000097:blood*; D004727:Endothelium / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000097:blood*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy
D019040:E-Selectin; D015850:Interleukin-6; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D002097:C-Reactive Protein