Effect of supracervical apposition and spontaneous labour on apoptosis and matrix metalloproteinases in human fetal membranes

M Chai; SP Walker; C Riley; GE Rice; M Permezel; M Lappas

Journal article

Effect of supracervical apposition and spontaneous labour on apoptosis and matrix metalloproteinases in human fetal membranes

M Chai, SP Walker, C Riley, GE Rice, M Permezel, M Lappas

Biomed Research International | HINDAWI LTD | Published : 2013

DOI: 10.1155/2013/316146

Download PDF

Abstract

Background. Apoptosis and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) are capable of hydrolysing components of the extracellular matrix and weakening the fetal membranes which leads to eventual rupture, a key process of human parturition. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of supracervical apposition and spontaneous labour on apoptosis and MMP-9 in human fetal membranes at term. Methods. Fetal membranes were obtained from term non-labouring supracervical site (SCS) and compared to (i) a paired distal site (DS) or (ii) site of rupture (SOR) after spontaneous labour onset. Results. The expression of the proapoptotic markers Bax, Smac, Fas, FasL, caspase-3, and PARP, was significantly highe..

View full abstract

University of Melbourne Researchers

Susan Walker Author

Michael Permezel Author

Martha Lappas Author

Related Projects (1)

UNDERSTANDING WHAT TRIGGERS BIRTH

Being born too early is the major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality and accounts for the majority of neonatal deaths. The aim of th..

Grants

Awarded by National Health and Medical Research Council

Funding Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the Clinical Research Midwives Gabrielle Fleming, Renee Grant and Astrid Tiefholz, and the Obstetric and Midwifery staff of the Mercy Hospital for Women (Heidelberg, Victoria) for their support and cooperation. Mahalia Chai was supported by a Felix Meyer Scholarship. Dr. Martha Lappas is supported by a Career Development Fellowship from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) (Grant no. 1047025). The work described in this paper was funded in part by the Medical Research Foundation for Women and Babies, Melbourne Research Grant Scheme, and the Mercy Research Foundation. Funding for the Leica Qwin Image Analysis System was provided by the Medical Research Foundation for Women and Babies.