Recombinant human lactoferrin inhibits matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9) activity in a rabbit preterm delivery model.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of recombinant human lactoferrin (rh-LF) on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase as a marker of cervical maturation, using a rabbit preterm delivery model in which preterm labor was induced by bacteria.


METHODS
We used cervical tissues that had been excised in a previous study in which rabbits were randomly assigned to receive either inoculation with Escherichia coli (E. coli) or saline solution and to receive pretreatment with or without rh-LF inserted into the cervix two hours before bacterial inoculation (Condition A: saline + saline; Condition B: rh-LF + E. coli; Condition C: saline +E. coli). E. coli, saline solution, and rh-LF were inserted into the cervix using a hysteroscope and a sterile polyethylene cannula. Both cervices of the rabbit uterus, which is bicorpus-bicolli, were taken out and preserved, and expression of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2,-3, and -9 in the cervix was evaluated using Western blot.


RESULTS
MMP-2,-3, and -9 levels in the cervix under Conditions A and B were significantly lower than that under Condition C.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the prevention of preterm delivery by rh-LF in a rabbit model has been achieved through inhibition of cervical maturation promoted by matrix metalloproteinase activity.
Nakayama
Ken
K
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Otsuki
Katsufumi
K
Yakuwa
Kyoko
K
Hasegawa
Akitoshi
A
Sawada
Maki
M
Mitsukawa
Kaori
K
Chiba
Hiroshi
H
Nagatsuka
Masaaki
M
Okai
Takashi
T
D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000201:enzymology*; D005260:Female; D007781:Lactoferrin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000201:enzymology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011817:Rabbits; D011897:Random Allocation; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology
D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D007781:Lactoferrin; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases