Expression And Significance Of MMP-9 , TIMP-1 And TGF-βin Patients With Premature Rupture Of Membranes In The Placenta And Fetal Membrance

0bjective:: The decrease of ECM (extracellular matrix) and the weakening of the structure is the key to premature rupture of membranes(PROM), some research has indicated that matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) and its inhibitor TIMP (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase), transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) in the ECM degradation play an important role, but the mechanism of MMP-9,TIMP-1 and TGF-β1 in PROM is still not clear.The aim of this study was to disscuss the relationship among the three factors expression in human placenta and fetal membranes of PROM.Methods:MMP-9,TIMP-1 and TGF-β1 cellular localization and protein levels were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot in term pregnancy placenta tissue and fetal membranes .Three clinical groups were including:women with PROM (in labor,n=28),women with normal pregnancy(in labor,n=28)and women with normal pregnancy (not in labor,n=28). Results : 1. Immunohistochemistry:①MMP-9 immunostaining shows strong positive in placenta and fetal membranes tissue of PROM group,positive in in labor group and slightly positive in not in labor group(p<0.05).②TIMP-1 and TGF-β1 immunostaining shows strong positive in placenta and fetal membranes tissue of not in labor group,positive in in labor group and slightly positive in PROM group(p<0.05). 2. Western blot.①MMP-9 protein level was highest in PROM group(p<0.05),then in labor group and not in labor group in order(p<0.05). TIMP-1 and TGF-β1 protein level was highest in not in labor group(p<0.05),then in labor group and in PROM group in order(p<0.05).3. Immunohistochemistry and western blot showed positive correlation between TGF-β1 and TIMP-1 and negative correlation between TGF-β1 and MMP-9 on the fetal membranes and placenta.