Activin A and its Regulatory Molecules in Placenta and Fetal Membranes of Women with Preterm Premature Rupture of the Membranes Associated with Acute Chorioamnionitis

Labeled Problem To investigate regulation of activin A and related molecules in placenta/fetal membranes from preterm premature rupture of membranes ( pPROM ) associated with acute chorioamnionitis ( ACA ). Method of Study Tissues were obtained from women with spontaneous preterm deliveries ( PTD ), pPROM without ACA , pPROM with ACA . Activin A , follistatin, and nodal and cripto mRNA were measured by RT ‐ PCR . Results Activin A mRNA was up‐regulated in tissues from pPROM , in presence or absence of HCA , respect to PTD and in pPROM with ACA respect to pPROM without ACA . Follistatin mRNA expression did not differ between the groups. In placenta, nodal mRNA showed the same trend of activin A , while cripto was down‐regulated in pPROM with ACA than other groups. Nodal and cripto were not expressed by fetal membranes. Conclusion The study shows the involvement of activin A pathway in pPROM with ACA . Further studies will focus on its role in placental immune functions.