Relationship between metalloproteinase-2 and -9 levels in plasma and vaginal secretion with preterm birth

Research Progress on the Relationship between Matrix Metalloproteinases and Preterm Birth

“…Timokhina, E et al [22] proposed that MMP2 and MMP9 are involved in the invasion of maternal blood vessels by cytotrophoblasts and the remodeling process of placental and uterine arteries. In the report by Duran Ch á vez, J et al [23], it was found that an increase in plasma MMP9 levels and a decrease in MMP2 levels were positively correlated with preterm birth, with plasma MMP9 levels increasing the risk of preterm birth by nearly three times. Pandey, M et al [32] analyzed the roles of MMP1, MMP8, and MMP9 genes in preterm birth, and concluded that MMP9 plays a crucial role in preterm birth.…”

“…In vertebrates, the MMPs family consists of 28 members, with at least 23 expressed in human tissues, including 14 expressed in the vascular system. According to their degradation substrates and structural characteristics, MMPs can be divided into: Gelatinase, including MMP2 and MMP9, capable of degrading type IV, V, VII, X, XI, and X IV collagen, gelatin, elastin, proteoglycans, and fibronectin; collagenases, including MMP1, MMP8, MMP13, and MMP18, with substrates including type I, II, III, V, and IX collagen, tendon derived proteins, and fibronectin [23]; stromelysins, including MMP3, MMP10, MMP11, substrates including III, IV, V, VII, IX, and X type collagen, elastin, and fibronectin; matrilysins, including MMP7 and MMP26, have substrates such as type IV collagen, elastin, fibronectin, and tendon derived proteins; model MMPs (Membrane type (MT) MMPs) include MMP14, MMP15, MMP16, MMP17, MMP24, and MMP25, with substrates including type I and IV collagen, gelatin, elastin, fibronectin, and laminin. Other MMPs include MMP12, MMP19, MMP20, MMP21, MMP22, MMP23, MMP27, and MMP28, with substrates including IV and V collagen, gelatin, and elastic fibers [24].…”

“…The expression of these proteases increases during pregnancy and reaches its highest level during delivery, but in some cases, the expression of proteases occurs earlier than expected, leading to premature birth [7]. MMPs are produced in the form of inactive proenzymes, which, upon activation, degrade the chorionic villi, amniotic membrane, and cervical ECM, leading to weakened softening of the membranes and cervix, rupture of the membranes, cervical dilation, contraction of the uterine muscle layer, and placental abruption [23,26]. Scholars such as Nold and C [28] have learned through mouse animal experiments that increasing the ratio of MMPs to TIMPs plays an important role in amniotic membrane rupture and premature birth.…”

Stress of Prematurity in the Experience of the COVID-19 Pandemic—Current State of Knowledge

“…The consequence is an excessive release of endogenous cortisol and an increase of its concentration in the placenta, the process itself is regulated by metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), -2 (MMP-2), -3 (MMP-3) and -9 (MMP-9) [ 39 ]. A case-control study by Duran-Chávez et al based on 129 cases of preterm birth proved that elevated levels of MMP-9 and decreased levels of MMP-2 are positively associated with the occurrence of preterm birth [ 40 ]. There is also an increase in the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) suppressing the response of the maternal immune system, which may increase the risk of preterm labor [ 38 , 41 ].…”