[Dietetic factors and premature rupture of fetal membranes. Effect of vitamin C on collagen degradation in the chorioamnion].

Some studies have shown an association between vitamin C disposability (Vit C), and the development of premature rupture of membranes (RPM). However, vitamin C role in the metabolism of collagen upon chorioamnion tissue, has not been analyzed. In this study the effect of modulation with different vit C concentrations in culture cells derived from human amnion, was analyzed. Vit C concentrations were used in order to cover physiological range (29.0 micrograms/ml). After stimulation the cells media were analyzed for enzymatic activity of metalloproteinases with extracellular matrix (MMP), and relative quantity of MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9, was quantified, by immune transference, using monospecific polyclonal antibodies. The activity, as well as protein decreased in amniotic cells media, in a direct way as to vit C concentration, so, at the highest used concentrations (100 micrograms/ml), the least MMP activity/quantity, was obtained. These results show a finding not described until now, which permits to establish a direct connection between vit C availability and increase in collagen degradation. According to results, the less availability of vit C, the greater degradation of collagen, which should lead to a mechanical support loss and eventual fetal membranes rupture.