The role of apoptosis in preterm premature rupture of the human fetal membranes.

Purpose: The present study was designed to examine apoptotic cell death via the caspase-dependent pathway in human fetal membranes.

Methods: Amniotic membrane samples were collected from three groups of women: group 1, women with preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes (PPROM) after cesarean delivery (n = 10), group 2, women with preterm labor (PTL) with intact membranes after cesarean delivery (n = 9) and group 3, women with term labor and vaginal delivery after an uncomplicated pregnancy (controls) (n = 11).

Results: Active caspase-3 immunopositivity (ACPI) of the PPROM group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). ACPI was higher in the PTL with intact membranes group as compared to the control group; however, it did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Active caspase-3 positivity is increased in the fetal membranes of those women with PPROM.