ABSTRACT
Objective To examine the expression and clinical significance of E26 transformation specific-1 in premature rupture of fetal membranes. Methods Fetal membranes from 75 women in the following categories were analyzed for Ets-1 expression: preterm and term premature rupture of fetal membranes; 70 women (control group) with term cesarean sections and without complications. Ets-1 protein was localized with the use of immunohistochemical S-P method. Results Ets-1 protein was expressed in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of trophoblast of human fetal membranes, with more obvious expression in the nucleus. Ets-1 protein's expression was up-regulated in the trophoblast of fetal membranes with premature rupture, which differed significantly from the control group (P<0.05). Ets-1 protein's expression was up-regulated in the trophoblast of fetal membranes with preterm premature rupture, which did not differ significantly from the control group (P>0.05). Conclusion Ets-1 is expressed in human fetal membranes and its expression is up-regulated with premature rupture of fetal membranes, suggesting a role for Ets-1 in extracellular matrix remodeling of the membranes. This study provides an evidence to predict premature rupture of fetal membrances.