The level of serum matrix metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 in newborns from mothers with undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia

Abstract

Laboratory markers of undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia (UCTD) are indicators of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) system, which are involved in the remodeling of connective tissue components, morphogenesis, inflammation. Purpose - to analyze the correlation between signs of UCTD in postpartum women and the level of serum MMP-1, tissue inhibitor of MMP-1 (TIMP-1) and the MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio in newborns. Materials and methods. We examined 122 women in labor and their 122 newborn children with a gestational age (GA) of 28-42 weeks, a body weight (BW) of 1270-4070 g. Clinical and anamnestic data and biochemical markers (level of serum MMP-1, TIMP-1, MMP-1/TIMP-1) were investigated in children. Clinical signs of UCTD in women in labor were registered. The main group (n=82) involved women with ≥3 UCTD markers, the control group (n=40) consisted of women with ≤2 UCTD features and their newborns. Accordingly, the main group of newborns - children from mothers with ≥3 markers of UCTD, the control group - babies from mothers with ≤2 signs of UCTD. For statistical analysis, Mann-Whitney (U) test and Cramer’s coefficient (φc) were used. Results. Newborns of the main group had a longer GA (U=1069.5; p=0.002), a lower Apgar score (U=1522.5; p=0.04), a smaller weight-for-age ratio (U=1511.0; p=0.038), higher concentrations of MMP-1 (U=55.0; p=0.000013) and higher values of the MMP-1/TIMP-1 (U=76.0; p=0.000323). The optimal range of MMP-1 in newborns is 2.72-3.91 ng/ml, TIMP-1 - 16.08-17.49 ng/ml, MMP-1/TIMP-1 - 0.16-0.24. MMP-1 concentration ranges ≥4.51 ng/ml and MMP-1/TIMP-1 values ≥0.31 were more typical for full-term infants (p<0.01) than prematurely born, and for children with lower BW (p<0.01). UCTD-associated obstetric complications were related to ranges of MMP-1 ≥4.51 ng/ml (p<0.001-0.05), TIMP-1 ≤16.07 ng/ml (p<0.05), MMP-1/TIMP-1 ≥0.31 (p<0.001-0.05) in children. Conclusions. UCTD in parturient mothers is an unfavorable factor in the formation of small weight-for-age ratio (p=0.038), a low postnatal adaptation (p=0.04), imbalance of serum MMP-1 (p=0.000013) and MMP-1/TIMP-1 (p=0.000323) in children. The optimal level of serum MMP-1 for newborns is 2.72-3.91 ng/ml, TIMP-1 - 16.08-17.49 ng/ml, MMP-1/TIMP-1 - 0.16-0.24. The values of MMP-1 ≥4.51 ng/ml and MMP-1/TIMP-1 ≥0.31 are markers of delayed physical development of the fetus (p<0.01). UCTD-associated obstetric complications are prognostically unfavorable for imbalance of MMP-1, TIMP-1, MMP-1/TIMP-1 in newborns. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of an institution. The informed consent to participate in the study was obtained from each mother. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.