OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the presence of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors in the cervical mucus plug obtained during active labor at term. STUDY DESIGN: Cervical mucus plugs from 17 healthy women in normal active labor were homogenized, extracted, and analyzed by 4 different assays. RESULTS: Gelatin zymography revealed large amounts of MMP-2 and MMP-9, and triple-helical collagen degradation demonstrated collagenase activity (MMP-8). Reverse zymography showed that tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) and TIMP-2 are detectable in the cervical mucus plug. Quantification by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed the presence of MMP-2, MMP-8, MMP-9, and TIMP-1. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that proteolytic or nonproteolytic effects of MMP and TIMP may play a part in the function of the cervical mucus plug of pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the presence of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors in the cervical mucus plug obtained during active labor at term. STUDY DESIGN: Cervical mucus plugs from 17 healthy women in normal active labor were homogenized, extracted, and analyzed by 4 different assays. RESULTS: Gelatin zymography revealed large amounts of MMP-2 and MMP-9, and triple-helical collagen degradation demonstrated collagenase activity (MMP-8). Reverse zymography showed that tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) and TIMP-2 are detectable in the cervical mucus plug. Quantification by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed the presence of MMP-2, MMP-8, MMP-9, and TIMP-1. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that proteolytic or nonproteolytic effects of MMP and TIMP may play a part in the function of the cervical mucus plug of pregnancy.
Authors: Deug-Chan Lee; Sonia S Hassan; Roberto Romero; Adi L Tarca; Gaurav Bhatti; Maria Teresa Gervasi; Joseph A Caruso; Paul M Stemmer; Chong Jai Kim; Lea Kirstine Hansen; Naja Becher; Niels Uldbjerg Journal: J Proteomics Date: 2011-03-23 Impact factor: 4.044
Authors: Agatha S Critchfield; Grace Yao; Aditya Jaishankar; Ronn S Friedlander; Oliver Lieleg; Patrick S Doyle; Gareth McKinley; Michael House; Katharina Ribbeck Journal: PLoS One Date: 2013-08-01 Impact factor: 3.240