Expression Of Matrix Metalloproteinase Mmp-9 In The Severe Pre-eclamptic Placenta,

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the levels of matrix metalloproteinase MMP-9 in severe pre-eclampsia cases and compare their significance with those found in normotensive routine pregnancies. This study typically recruited women in China, a country with the biggest population of the world, thus representing the biggest proportion of pregnancies and, was carried at the Obstetric and Gynecology department of Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, the provincial capital of Hubei province, China.MethodsA dynamic prospective study was conducted at Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Sciences and Technology, Wuhan, China for a period 3 years from January 2008 till January 2011. A total of 128 pre-eclamptic placentas from a singleton pregnancy between 34 to 39 weeks of gestation and 105 placentas of normal pregnancies were recruited. MMP- 9 concentrations were measured in tissue samples by immunochemistry. History, clinical findings and laboratory investigations with final diagnosis were recorded to evaluate each case individually. Statistical analyses were performed by using SPSS version 15 and P-value of <0.05 was considered significant.ResultsOur study clearly reflected that metalloproteinase 9(MMP-9) proteins were frequently expressed in majority of the placentas with uncomplicated pregnancies (control group). Metalloproteinase 9 expressions were decreased in severe pre-eclamptic placentas (Study group).The incidence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) was high and the mean birth weight was markedly low in patients with severe pre-eclampsia.ConclusionOur study concluded the decrease MMP-9 in severe pre-eclampsia compared with normotensive pregnancy may be related to insufficient invasion of trophoblast, leading to superficial and unsuccessful placentation.