The association between increased maternal PARK7 (DJ-1) levels and the occurrence of preterm premature rupture of membranes - A randomized prospective study.

Objective: Parkinson's disease protein 7 (PARK7/DJ-1) is an important antioxidant multiprotein against inflammation and oxidative stress. We therefore planned this study to demonstrate the association between maternal PARK7 levels and the occurrence of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

Materials And Methods: We enrolled 80 pregnant women; 50 PPROM patients and 30 healthy controls, into this cross- sectional study between the 24 and 36 gestational weeks. Furthermore, we measured serum PARK 7 levels using enzyme-Linked immunosorbent assay method.

Results: Plasma PARK7 levels were higher in PPROM patients compared to those in the healthy controls (p<0.001). With a cutoff value of 2.57 pg/mL; PARK 7 had a 92% sensitivity, 86% specificity, 88% positive predictive value and 83% negative predictive value (p<0.01) for PPROM. PARK7 had positive correlation with blood leukocyte levels (p<0.001), C-reactive protein levels (p<0.001), and negatively correlated with birth weight and birth week.

Conclusion: PARK 7 is overexpressed in PPROM patients. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, PARK7 may be a novel marker in better understanding the pathophysiology and prediction of the prognosis PPROM. Further large-scale studies are needed.