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CME Credit Offered
CME Credit Offered
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Abstract Award
Recording available 2/16-5/2
Recording available 2/16-5/2
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AIUM Credit
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Foundation Awardee
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Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Foundation Awardee
Foundation Awardee

Poster Session 2

Category: Prematurity

Poster Session 2

(465) Placental Inflammation, Angiogenesis and Senescence Markers in Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes

Wednesday, February 11, 2026
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM  
Objective:

To characterize placental expression of genes involved in apoptosis and senescence, along with biomarkers related to angiogenesis, inflammation, tissue remodeling, and telomere length, in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) compared to term asymptomatic pregnancies.

Study Design:

A prospective cohort study including 54 singleton pregnancies: 25 presenting with PPROM between 23+6 and 34+0 weeks of gestation and 29 term pregnancies. Placental tissue samples were analyzed for protein concentrations related to angiogenesis, inflammation, and tissue remodeling via immunoassays. Gene expression of apoptosis and senescence markers, and relative telomere length (TR ratio), were assessed by quantitative PCR. Fold change was used to evaluate group differences. Group comparisons were performed using non-parametric tests.

Results:

Baseline maternal characteristics were similar between groups, with expected differences in clinical outcomes: lower gestational age at delivery, higher rates of labor induction, antenatal corticosteroid exposure, and increased neonatal morbidity in the PPROM group.

Placentas from PPROM pregnancies showed significantly higher levels of IL-8, IL-1β, MCP-1, and G-CSF, indicating an enhanced inflammatory response. Markers related to angiogenesis and tissue remodeling — VEGF, VEGFR1, TIE-2, and FGF-1 — were also significantly increased in PPROM cases.

Of the apoptosis and senescence-related genes evaluated, only SIRT6 showed significantly higher expression in the PPROM group.

No significant differences were found in relative telomere length (TR ratio) between the two groups.

Conclusion:

PPROM is associated with a distinct placental profile characterized by heightened inflammatory and angiogenic activity. Changes in the expression of apoptosis and senescence markers were limited, and no significant differences in telomere length were observed between groups. These findings emphasize the importance of characterizing the underlying physiopathology of PPROM, with inflammation and angiogenic dysfunction emerging as key features in these patients.