The relevance of the problem of preterm birth are determined by their frequency and severe peri- and postnatal consequences. This necessitates further study of the functional and molecular mechanisms of premature labor induction. At the same time, many questions about the molecular mechanisms of premature unleashing of labor remain unclear, which limits the ability to predict this complication of gestation.

OBJECTIVE

To study the composition and modifications of amniotic fluid proteins at the threat of preterm birth.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The observational, single-centre, cross-sectional study included 60 women. Of these, 28 healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery at term (control group) and 32 women who developed spontaneous labor activity at 34—37 weeks (main group). In the amniotic fluid taken at 16—18 weeks (by transabdominal amniocentesis), the spectrum of proteins was determined. The work used clinical, clinical and laboratory methods, as well as spectrophotometry, densitometry, gel electrophoresis and gel chromatography methods.

RESULTS

Women of both groups did not statistically significantly differ in obstetric and somatic status. With the threat of preterm birth, significant changes were established in the spectrum of proteins, their electrophoretic mobility, the nature of the non-protein component of complex proteins, the ratio of glyco-, lipo-nucleoproteins, and the boundaries of the molecular weights of proteins in different electrophoretic zones. All of the above is evidence of which indicates the modification of various levels of protein structure.

CONCLUSION

The identified deviations in the composition and structure of amniotic fluid proteins can create prerequisites for the development of molecular disorders in the fetoplacental complex and the entire mother-placenta-fetus system, leading to premature unleashing of labor.