Composition and physico-chemical properties of proteins in fetal water in complicated pregnancy

Relevance. The physiological course of prenatal ontogenesis largely depends on the state of the amniotic fluid, which largely provides the fetus with the substances necessary for its development. Among the complications of pregnancy, premature birth leads to especially serious consequences. In this regard, the elucidation of the mechanisms for unleashing labor activity before the term is important. The most informative for achieving these goals are proteins that perform numerous functions in the regulation of cellular metabolism.

Purpose of the study. To study the composition and properties of amniotic fluid proteins and the significance of their changes in predicting preterm birth.

Material and methods. The study included 29 healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery at term (control group) and 35 women who developed labor activity at 34-37 weeks (main group). In amniotic fluid taken at 16-18 weeks (by transabdominal amniocentesis), the spectrum of proteins and a number of their physicochemical properties were determined using electrophoresis, chromatography, spectrophotometry and densitometry methods.

Results. It has been established that the development of preterm labor occurs against the background of modification of protein-protein interactions and complexing of proteins with non-protein compounds.

Conclusions. The revealed imbalance of the protein composition may be an important link in the chain of functional and molecular disorders leading to preterm birth.