Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0728731 (prematurity)
 7,134 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The objective of this article is to review the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in fetomaternal/neonatal complications of preterm birth. The function of MMPs as proteolytic enzymes involved in tissue remodeling/destruction is reviewed in preterm labor, preeclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, intrauterine growth restriction, chronic lung disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, cystic periventricular leukomalacia, and retinopathy of prematurity. Cytokines, steroid hormones, and reactive oxygen species all regulate MMP labor and expression/activity. In labor, activation follows an inflammatory response, which results in fetal membrane rupture and cervical dilation/ripening, particularly when premature. Expression/activation is elevated during parturition, particularly when premature. While fetal membrane rupture is preceded by increases in tissue-specific MMPs, neonatal complications also ensue from an imbalance between MMPs and their tissue inhibitors. These e fects implicate environmental triggers and a genetic predisposition. MMPs are involved in the perinatal complications of prematurity and are potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Functional MMP genetic polymorphisms may assist in identifying patients at risk of complications.
 ...
PMID:Matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in preterm perinatal complications. 1800 Feb 25

Patency of the ductus arteriosus (PDA) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) development represent severe affections for premature newborns, therefore the research of early markers for these two conditions is really important. The aim of this study is to analyze epithelial lining fluid (ELF) Neutrophil-gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels for prediction of lung injury or possible involvement of this molecule in PDA. Only scarce and contrasting results have previously been published in this field. In contrast, this molecule, included in a large macromolecular complex together with matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), is considered an acceptable marker of infectious/inflammatory processes, cancer monitoring and induction of apoptotic pathway. NGAL was detected in 28 pre-term newborns by means of a commercially available kit in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The results have been corrected to ELF levels, by the urea method, to eliminate bias due to BALF collection. ELF NGAL levels were found significantly increased both in infants developing BPD or in those affected by PDA. By means of multivariate logistic regression analysis the significances were confirmed after adjusting for possible interfering variables such as gestational age and concomitant presence of both PDA and BPD. Our results stress the involvement of NGAL in the mechanisms leading to BPD and also suggest a possible association with PDA, which is often linked to prematurity and BPD development, probably due to the involvement of inflammatory and angiogenetic processes in both pathologies.
 ...
PMID:Epithelial lining fluid neutrophil-gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels in premature newborns with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and patency of ductus arteriosus. 1833 43

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) occurs in 1% to 2% of births. Impact of PPROM is greatest in low- and middle-income countries where prematurity-related deaths are most common. Recent investigations identify cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase activation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis as primary pathways to PPROM. These biological processes are initiated by heterogeneous etiologies including infection/inflammation, placental bleeding, uterine overdistention, and genetic polymorphisms. We hypothesize that pathways to PPROM overlap and act synergistically to weaken membranes. We focus our discussion on membrane composition and strength, pathways linking risk factors to membrane weakening, and future research directions to reduce the global burden of PPROM.
 ...
PMID:Synergy and interactions among biological pathways leading to preterm premature rupture of membranes. 2484 Sep 39