Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in plasma/serum and urine of women during term and threatened preterm labor: a clinical approach.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in plasma, serum and urine of women during term and threatened preterm labor.


METHODS
Plasma and urine proMMP-9 as well as serum and urine TIMP-1 were evaluated in 60 healthy pregnant women; 20 of them presented in term labor following an uncomplicated pregnancy, 20 of them presented with threatened preterm labor and intact membranes at 24-36 gestational weeks and 20 of them were at 24-40 gestational weeks with no evidence of uterine contractions or other pregnancy complications. Data were analyzed with non-parametric statistical tests and cut-off values were determined with receiver operator characteristic curves.


RESULTS
ProMMP-9 values were significantly higher and TIMP-1 values were significantly lower in cases with uterine term or preterm contractions compared to non-labor status; and in cases with preterm contractions that progressed to true preterm labor compared to those in which contractions were arrested.


CONCLUSIONS
Alterations in the concentrations of proMMP-9 and TIMP-1 can be detected in plasma or serum and urine of pregnant women experiencing term or preterm uterine contractions. The altered values of proMMP-9 and TIMP-1 could possibly identify the inevitable progress of preterm contractions to true preterm labor.
Makrakis
E
E
Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Aretaieion Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Grigoriou
O
O
Kouskouni
E
E
Vitoratos
N
N
Salamalekis
E
E
Chatzoudi
E
E
Creatsas
G
G
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000378:metabolism*; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000097:blood* / Q000652:urine*; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012372:ROC Curve; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 / Q000097:blood* / Q000652:urine*; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000378:metabolism
D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9