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Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics 1/2012

01-01-2012 | Materno-Fetal Medicine

The implication of second-trimester amniotic fluid TNF-alpha, cytochrome C and cell death nucleosomes in the prediction of preterm labor and/or premature rupture of membranes

Authors: K. Puchner, C. Iavazzo, D. Gourgiotis, M. Boutsikou, S. Baka, D. Hassiakos, E. Kouskouni, E. Economou, A. Malamitsi-Puchner, G. Creatsas

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Aim

The multifactorial pathway leading to preterm labor possibly includes the implication of apoptosis. This study aimed to clarify the role of amniotic fluid apoptotic molecules (TNF-alpha, cytochrome C and cell death nucleosomes) at midtrimester as possible predictors of preterm labor (PTL) and/or premature rupture of membranes (PROM).

Method

In this case–control study, comprising 360 women undergoing genetic amniocentesis and out of whom 38 delivered preterm and 18 out of the latter after PROM, the above apoptotic molecules were determined by ELISA. The 38 cases with PTL and 18 cases with PROM were matched for age with 38 and 18 respective controls delivering at term, and the levels of apoptotic molecules were compared.

Results

Cell death nucleosome levels were found to be significantly associated with preterm delivery. Specifically, for every unit increase in nucleosomes, women were on average 0.2% more likely to deliver preterm (OR: 1.002, CI: 1.0–1.003, p = 0.018). In contrast, such an association was not found concerning the other two apoptotic molecules (TNF-a and Cytochrome C).

Conclusion

Second-trimester amniotic fluid cell death nucleosomes’ levels are significantly associated with preterm delivery and could possibly serve as predicting markers.
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Metadata
Title
The implication of second-trimester amniotic fluid TNF-alpha, cytochrome C and cell death nucleosomes in the prediction of preterm labor and/or premature rupture of membranes
Authors
K. Puchner
C. Iavazzo
D. Gourgiotis
M. Boutsikou
S. Baka
D. Hassiakos
E. Kouskouni
E. Economou
A. Malamitsi-Puchner
G. Creatsas
Publication date
01-01-2012
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-011-1909-7

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