LOCAL NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHESIS IN THE VAGINA AND ITS IMPLICATION ON PREMATURE DELIVERY

Abstract

Nitric oxide is a ubiquitous molecule involved in a range of physiologic and pathophysiologic processes, and is often at the centre of the scientific debate with its inherent complexity. Synthesised under the influence of its three isoenzymes, this molecule has been implicated in processes like inflammation, premature birth and carcinogenesis. Via comparative and experimental biochemical analysis of the cervical fluid of a group of patients with premature labour pains, using the indirect method of detection (the Griess spectrophotometric analysis), as well as analysis of the systemic inflammatory response, this study shows the association of nitric oxide with the premature births before the gestational week 34 as an independent marker for development of premature birth. It also showsthe association between the local nitric oxide synthesis in the vagina and the systemic inflammatory response and the significance of this association in the development of premature birth